Should an adult child always have to take their parents’ opinion into consideration when they make decisions?

Of all the transitions that happen during the parenting journey, one that doesn’t always get the most attention is the shift from kids to young adults and, eventually, full-blown grown-up people. It is a change that many would argue happens gradually, which can make it more difficult to spot when it is happening, but it is also one of the most important parts of the life process. This is, surely, the whole goal of being a parent.

You might think that proof you have done your job right should be satisfying for parents, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, there are some who find it profoundly unsettling when their adult child starts doing normal, adult things without their express permission or involvement. They panic when they lose total control over the life of their kids, even if what they are doing is nothing out of the ordinary. While it is only natural for a parent to be concerned about their children, there is a fine line between worrying and wanting to overrule their own free will, leaving them stunted and unable to grow as a person.