From your nest to ours:

With the Eagle News office being located in the Student Union, I see a lot of incoming freshmen and their parents. I find the behaviors of new students and their parents fascinating.

Students, do you feel that your parents are too clingy? Do they insist on trying to schedule your classes with you or for you? Do they want to meet your professors or tell your advisers to call them if they notice you slipping? Do they insist on following you into the bathroom when it was your last excuse for solitude?

It's hard for your parents to let go. You're moving out of the house, they won't be seeing you everyday, and they're probably going to go all hormonal on you. You know, like you did, say, three to five years ago.

I can sympathize with your desire to be seen as an adult. You want your freedom. College is a time for independence, self-realization and to construct yourself and your future.

Parents, I understand it is hard to see your child grow up and leave you. But take pride and comfort in knowing that you helped get them to this point. Give yourself a pat on the back; not all high school grads go on to college. You helped your child get to this point — they made the decision to go to college. Chances are, they will continue to make beneficial decisions.

The tighter you pull, the more they will resist. It's not uncommon to see a student walk into class on their phone and say: "OK, I've got to go Mom/Dad, I love you."
See what I did there students — I just bonded you out. Don't make me a liar — they can find my e-mail address. Assure your parents that you will keep in contact with them and that they are still a huge part of their life. What your parents are feeling is mostly seperation anxiety.

Set up a time to talk to them. Let them know they'll hear from you at least once a week. That is reasonable. Don't get tied up on the phone with your parents several times a day if you don't want to. Defend your space.

This is your time for self discovery. You can't make choices that will shape the person you become if someone is always holding your hand and telling you which paths to take.

Keep your parents involved in your life enough that they feel important, yet not used. They are your most important support team.