Dear Money Doctor^®, my Financial Advice is:

Tough love is tough on parents too

My story behind the advice is:

When to let go as parents?  I lived at home after college, but only after a sit down with my parents to discuss my plans.  We agreed (they suggested, really they required) that I spend every hour looking for a job, contribute to the household chores, pay rent and remember that this is their house – be respectful.  Wow, I was hoping for sympathy. I had no money, so the rent payments were allowed to build until I landed a job and could pay back.  Yes, I eventually got a job, moved out of my parents’ house, and got married.  Now that I have children of my own, I realize that my parents must have struggled with tough love.