Parenting College Students: Crispy versus Teacups

I learned some new terms for children of exuberant parents. The “crispy” student is burned out from all the play dates, music lessons, tutoring, extra activities and grooming. The “Teacups” are so fragile that without a hovering parent they cannot function. They shatter.
Cute terms but how far off are they? 

There are many colleges to choose from and if the student gets into a “No Name” university but finds the perfect fit for them, this is success. It may not give the parents bragging rights unless you can call, “My Kiddo is happy and doing well” something to brag about.
If your child cannot complete their own college applications or write their own essays, cannot make appointments with their college counselors or set up their own bank account – they may be too fragile to be successful in a college environment. 

We think we are doing our kids a favor by removing all obstacles from their path when it is the obstacles that teach the lesson. Our kids need to be able to problem solve, make good decisions and deny themselves to get what they want.