[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I had great, wise parents who cared about me and my siblings deeply, and a primary way they showed this was by raising to us make our own decisions. I certainly never considered them as "covering" me until I got married (at age 27). What you describe was not my experience, nor would I want it to have been, nor do I want it to be my experience with my children.

I see what you're trying to say, but I frankly I think it's useless advice, especially on the internet. If this is how it is for you and your parents, great. But so much of what you assume about parents and their relationship with their children can vary widely, even among "good" and "wise" parents.

Well, I wasn't giving advice, I was just posting my thoughts about what has worked for me. I agree with what's in bold. I guess it just depends on what has worked for you. This has always worked for me. My parents (before my dad passed) have never been controlling, they've always given me great advice (that I still follow) but still would let me make my own decisions. A lot of the decisions I make are based on the way they raised me, and so far, I haven't had any regrets.