I read a wonderful article the other day titled, " Stop Making Everything Perfect for your Kid " and I agree with and can relate to the points made. In this article, Susan talks about overbearing, helicopter parents who don't let their children experience the world on their own terms, or as I like to call it, wrecking their kids' lives. I have written on the subject before, Letter: College students need room to grow, but recently, I have been compelled to, once again, reach out to the parents of the world and remind them that their children are individual human beings whom the rest of the world has to coexist with.

Now, hear me out, I have spent hours upon hours as a student assistant in administrative offices at my university and have traveled the state recruiting high school students to our college. As a result, I have encountered many students and their parents from different walks of life and family structures, and with varying parenting styles. I have taken many mental notes on the way these parents approach their child's transition into college differently. I also have friends who have made the leap to college and all have landed in different places with different methods of coping and independence levels. From these observations, I have concluded that the absolute best thing to do for your child is this: butt out. Now. Seriously, get out of their way.

Yes, your child needs advice and guidance from time to time, but they do not need you to make decisions for them. They do not need you to make phone calls for them. They do not need you to do the things that they are perfectly capable of doing. In fact, they NEED you to let or make them do those things on their own.

Here's an example. Your child is getting ready to go to college. You want them to have the most perfect experience possible. So, to ensure that they have the best housing, you want to call the University as soon as the housing registration opens to make sure they get a great room. Don't. Really, don't.

If they want to live with their friends or in a certain residence hall, they can get on the computer or phone themselves and handle it. Yeah, they might be in school during the day, but most universities' administrative offices are open until 5. But, what if they forget? Too bad. If you expect them to go to college and succeed but you are afraid they will forget to reserve their housing, they are not ready.

Here's another: Your child is going to be advised and registered for classes at orientation with the help of a faculty member. You don't want them to take any unnecessary classes, so you want to help them build their schedule before hand or want to change it afterward. No. No ma'am. No sir.

If they are unable to have a conversation with another adult and make a plan for themselves, they are not ready. Plus, someone who works at the university or may even teach the classes your child is taking is probably way more qualified than you to advise your child on what classes to take. Remember, this is their college experience, NOT YOURS. Yes, you may be paying for it, but do not try to dictate them because of that. They are not your employee. You do not "own" them. Your child is an individual human being.

On that note, LET THEM MAJOR IN WHATEVER THEY WANT TO. Again for those of you in the back frantically checking your child's location via satellite, WHAT THEY STUDY IS THEIR DECISION, NOT YOURS. Yes, you may be paying for it, but if they major in something just because you want them to, it's not likely that they will succeed. They will hate college. They will resent you, and it's just a bad idea. Same goes for extracurricular things throughout their life. Whether it be sports, clubs, a job, whatever, if they want to do it, let them. You love baseball, but your son wants to swim? Hang up the glove and grab some goggles. Your kids don't need your opinion. They need your support.

So parents, here is my plea: let your children be humans. They are not your minions. Start them young, make them schedule their own doctor's appointments. Make them order at the restaurant. Give them as much freedom as you can. Now I know, I'm not a parent, maybe I don't totally get it, but the older I get, I am more and more incredibly grateful for the way I was raised with choices and independence. I see my friends who use their parents as a crutch for everyday situations, and it sickens me. I get phone calls at work from parents who are dictating their child's entire college experience, and I want to tell them to hang up and have their child call back. My colleagues get emails from parents pretending to be the student, and we just laugh. Don't be that parent.

Be a parent, but don't be a full time human for them. They're capable. You just have to get out of the way. Your child will be happier, and you will have less to worry about once you realize just how much they can do on their own. Trust me. It's a win-win.

P.S. The world would love to get to know your child, but your child has to find out who that person is first. Let them figure it out.

Note- These examples are from real- life experiences. I can't make this stuff up. Also, for reference, my parents did not attend my college orientation, and I love them for it.