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Parents these days do seem to have a more active involvement in the details of their kids' lives, as a whole, than when we grew up.
I think part of it is the prosperous times we have lived in, it has allowed more people more time to focus on their kids. And culturally, it seems more accepted/expected. Overall, I think that's a good thing.
Parents that are hovering over their college aged kids obviously don't have it quite right, but on the other hand, at least their kids are in college, and they have an interest in their kids, so while they are misguided, and not doing their kids a favor in the long run, they are at least trying.
I don't really understand it, though. It does seem fairly obvious that the goal is raising kids is to raise them in a way that helps them become successful, happy, independent ADULTS. My 8 year old already knows that if he has a problem with his baseball coach (like if my kid wants to pitch, or play a certain position), I won't interfere. He has to either earn it on the field, or ask the coach himself.
If my kids are having problems with other kids, they have to work it out. When we walk by an ice cream store and they want ice cream, I'll give them the money but they have to go in and order, pay for it, and deal with the guy at the register.
Seeing them grow and learn to successfully handle themselves in the world, starting at an early age, is IMO the greatest joy of being a parent. I don't have any that are college age yet, but if any of them ever asked, expected, or even accepted me talking to one of their college professors about a grade, or something like that, I would feel like I failed terribly.
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