<p>There is a difference between hovering and smothering - my kids say my sn could be “fencer smother” not fencers mother. haha I think part of parental responsibility for late teens is to act as a safety net when they do fail - and not necessarily a safety net which allows them to escape problems or disregard poor decisions. But, kids will be kids, and they can and do make mistakes.</p>
<p>I object to adcoms and others who focus on the student with their dog and pony shows, while I, who am writing the big check, am pushed aside and called a hovering parent if I want to see where my money is going.</p>