Know What's Happening in Fatherhood

I’m Fantasizing About Abandoning My Adult Son. My Wife Doesn’t Get It.

The column addresses three family dilemmas involving adult children who remain dependent on their parents: a 28‑year‑old son with anxiety and erratic employment, a son whose remarriage introduced disruptive step‑children, and a son who has cut off his mother over a personal dispute. Each scenario highlights the tension between parental compassion and the need for firm boundaries, suggesting professional assessment and joint spousal communication as pathways forward. The advice emphasizes a balanced, middle‑ground approach rather than extreme tough love or unconditional coddling.