When do you cut your child loose?

I left home at 18 to go to university, my parents gave me £800 a term to live on (this is 20 years ago!) and I worked all holidays to amke up any shortfall, plus took out loans etc. I didn't go back to their house (well they spilt when I was 20, so I couldn't have anyway) but I considered myself out in the world and independent. If I had been working and living with them I would have been paying board and lodgings. If I am desperate they will still help me out now, but not to the tune of £6K per year (£500 per month) whilst I work and live rent free with them.....

Children are for life, but part of parenting them is letting them go, to make their own way in life. We do them a diservice if we protect them from decision-making and consequences.

Personally, I feel it depends on the personality of the NRP.

In my case, the 'other' parent has told the children he doesn't have to pay for anything as he doesn't live with them.

Fair enough.

Four planned children within a 20 year marriage, but as the other parent chooses not to be repsonsible either emotionally or financially, I "have" to do it all.

No idea how I'll manage next year when oldest finishes sixth form, but I've no choice and will have to.

I think its sad that both parents feel unable to take such a vital role in life seriously and without question or debate.