Figuring out the time to let kids take responsibility for themselves

Over-protected children are often stressed out by college life because they lack autonomy, writes Áilín Quinlan.

DR Claire Bohan had just received phone calls from two anxious mothers. The women had contacted Bohan, director of student support and development at Dublin City University, about difficulties their daughters were having with their courses.

Both first years were unhappy with their choice of programme and were having second thoughts about continuing, even though they were nearing the end of the academic year. But instead of speaking to the college, the students had told their mothers, who had then spoken to the college on their behalf.