Would you agree that it takes quite a bit of time to figure out what your own terms are?
Flaggy - you have no idea what my perspective as a mother is. I don't think I've talked that much about it. (or have I?) too painful. I don't even know if I have a perspective anymore. I'm torn between: 1. You can't overprotect too much; and 2. Throw the brat into the deep end; if she can't swim too f'ing bad. (I don't mean that.) (Wish I did.) It's great to have a mother, hell to be one. Living on your own terms means being willing to be totally independent if necessary. hold on let go hold on let go hold on let go hold on let go... todays writing prompt?
Sorry -- I should have said, "I know that you are a mother and thus might/will have a completely different perspective than I (as a son) have. That said, your post is very bitter. Hope everything's okay. As a writing prompt, I like it, or even better as a podcast, because I think it deserves a longer treatment.