[onewhippedpuppy]

I'm watching this in action. Friends of my in-laws have a kid at college, they converse daily. The kid has been absolutely led around by the hand his entire life, has never made his own decisions, and is incapable of being self sufficient. Sadly, I'd bet money that he'll end up back at home, even if he does survive college.

I will consider myself a failure as a parent if my kids are not capable of fending for themselves in this world. Self reliance/sufficience and personal responsibility are fading values in our culture today, but absolutely essential to succeed in life. My son is 3, and can already order his own food at restaurants (after I read him the menu). He's my buddy, and goes with me everywhere, but I make him do things for himself. Further, I'm proud to say that he often resists any offers to help him. He's an independent kid, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The most important job I have is teaching him to win in life. I'm not much on the recent trophy for second place movement. Life is hard, kids have to be able to cope.