Some parents may hover like helicopters, but that's preferable to hopping into the driver's seat and trying to direct your child's every move.
We've all seen them: proudly delivering the Grade 4 project they've clearly spent nights delicately carving out of a lump of solid granite, while a bemused child trots along obediently behind.
They're the same ones you see grabbing the menu from their child and saying, 'Don't be silly, you won't like sushi.'
Parent24 blogger Deblet described how some parents were choosing subjects for their teens going into Grade 10, without the kid being allowed any input.
All in all, I can't help feeling the day will come when that kid will turn around and say 'Back off, Mom!'
When do YOU think kids are ready to make independent choices? Email your ideas now. If you give a great answer, you could win a Parent24 T-shirt.
Backseat driver parents
Robyn Addinall