epitome

Brad mentioned that his twins turned 5 today.

Bad Dog says it only starts to go faster.

That got me to thinking...when do kids "grow up" to their parents?

For my last birthday my Dad sent me a $300 check. Until this past Christmas, my Mom bought me the same number of presents she bought me when I was 10.

I live in a nice house with nice things and my Mom still feels it is necessary to bring me a bag of groceries.

Ironically, my parents always let me do whatever I wanted as a teenager. They were never overbearing...the only requirement was that I make it home in one piece. I always did.

Is it parental guilt, not willing to admit their babies have grown up or something else? I loved my childhood so there should be no guilt on their end.

Edit: I should mention that I am 30 and moved out on my own at 19.