College has traditionally been a transition to adulthood, with campus life and academic experiences providing students with knowledge, tools, and challenges that create a sturdy foundation on which students build their personal and professional lives. According to the author, that foundation is eroding because parents are the ones now wielding the tools--such as problem solving, resourcefulness, critical thinking, and exploration--and responding to those challenges. She states that colleges and universities cannot only blame parents for the phenomenon of developmental delay. She contends that parents need to be partners in the education process, but colleges and universities send mixed messages when they cater to parents by offering so many special activities that include parents. When such large amounts of money and resources are dedicated to parent programs, money that was intended to go directly into student services, and programs, parents and administrators need to ask themselves, if they are ultimately hurting or helping students. Parents need to be welcomed onto campus, but in that spirit, of partnership with the school, it should be with the attitude of helping the students help themselves. The message of staying involved, but let go is a tough one to deliver.