As a mom to a 15-year-old high school sophomore and a 12-year-old 7th grader who are about to begin a new school year, I completely understand many parents' compulsion to smooth their kids' paths through life.
But I also understand that my children must be able to make their own way. As much as I love them, I want them to move out, get a higher education, hold down a job, stay married even when it's hard, and raise their own families.
I know from watching people I grew up with (including some relatives whose names I won't mention) that hovering over your kids only leads to prolonged failure in many areas of adult life.
The article linked below backs up my theory that kids need to learn how to be independent, and they need to learn how to fail gracefully.
Too much involvement at a young age can leave them struggling and depressed in college and beyond.
Source: Julie Lythcott-Haims: Helicoptered kids are sputtering out | Dallas Morning News