Navigating Parent-Child Relationships: Insights from Carolyn Hax.

A college-age daughter wants to separate from her parents and contacts them rarely and never at length. The parents want to talk to her but don't want to interrupt her college life, and the daughter says she doesn't want to carry the burden of deciding when they should talk. The columnist advises the parents to back off and give their daughter space, reminding them that the purpose of this stage is to allow her to mature and reason her way back into their sphere of influence. The columnist suggests occasionally sending letters or emails that are chatty, newsy, and require no response, or sending care packages to show love and appreciation while still giving her space.