I remember 1986 and 1988 as if it was just a few years ago. Not 16 or 17 years ago just a few years ago. Now my kids are teenagers already.Sometimes I feel like we as parents have mothered them too much,then again how much is too much. The son is now in Melbroune and the daughter is thinking of following in 18 months time.Gosh It was just like yesterday that the two were babies, helpless and needy of the parents.Now out of the nest they fly.I will never be able to accept the fact that they will soon not be needing the parents(the financial side is another matter).This is where East and West can not meet.Western parents look forward to the day their kids leave home(al least that is the picture/impression I get) whereas the Eastern parents tries hard to keep the kids in the family home as long as humanlly possible.The Eastern family would build or extend the home to accomadate the newly weds if and when their sons or daughters get married. The extended family is so important.In times of trouble,you have safety in numbers and in times of joy you celebrate in numbers too.In old age the children will look after the parents as they were looked after while they were kids.Looking on it would be great if my kids are grown up with a financially secured careers not needing the parents.