On Cutting the Umbilical Cord

As the children of our parents, do we ever stop to put them in their place? Particularly our mothers, with whom we have the umbilical bond? These questions spawn from an incident I witnessed in which a mother took on the role of the child and the grown daughter calmly attempted to talk her down from "the ledge," as I later called it. The episode was so uncomfortable for me to be seeing and hearing that I actually left before it's resolution.

At what age are we allowed to sit our parent down and say "This is my life, and you have to accept it"? I had such a conversation with my mother. It took place when I was 21, right after the breakup of my sham of an engagement. Sometimes I think that if I could do it, anyone could, and those who really should, should. In the end though, I suppose it is different for everyone. My parents raised us to say what we mean so putting one of them in their place when it is appropriate isn't necessarily surprising, and in my case, she reacted well. It may not be the case for everyone, but I certainly think many clingy mothers could benefit from the wake-up call one of these conversations might induce.