| Carolyn Hax can’t get to every question she receives, so every week we ask readers to think like an advice columnist and submit their advice. Dear Carolyn: Can you give me some wise words to help me let my kid flounder a little without making them feel abandoned? We have always had a very close relationship. I’m not a touchy-feely type, but I got a very clingy child. They physically stuck to me as much as possible, rarely retreating to their room even through the usual age of separation. They were always very loving — we never had a “soiling the nest” phase or even incident, though I expected it. I know I was SO ready to move on from my parents! Now in college and living in the dorm, they call and text frequently. Multiple times a day. They request advice, seek affirmation, info dump, send articles and memes to discuss, etc. They do a good job of managing their own age-appropriate life: They get good grades, have a post-college plan, work a part-time job for appropriate little personal expenses, make their own medical appointments, etc. But the natural distance I’ve been anticipating isn’t coming… |
