when is it time to push our precious snowflakes out of the nest?

Answer:

After they are adults. When it doesn't happen, it can be understandable in certain circumstances..... to a point.

Parenting and child health has some interesting things to say about these relationships. Another article that introduced me to two new terms; "kiddults" and "adultescents" both specifically refer to this phenomenon. An Australian documentary series, The Nest refers to a guy who lives at home to maintain a certain lifestyle. His dad was interviewed for the show ironing his son's shirts.

What would you say to the father of the son who purchased (or leased) a luxury car while living at home? Let's assume the car was all about the status. What would you say to a live at home son who asked his dad to pay for an expensive wedding ring for his fiancee? What would you say to a dad who paid for the ring?

How is this kind of behavior going to help the child in the long run? In the long run, if your children aren't self-sufficient long before you are gone from the planet, then you have failed as a parent. ouch.