failure to launch

A psychological difficulty or inability of a young person to transition successfully into being an independent, self-reliant adult. Often used in the phrase "failure to launch syndrome." We create a bit of a paradox for our kids. We want to do everything we can to ensure they are well provided for and have happy lives, but this level of pampering often leads to a failure to launch when they are old enough to leave the house and set off on their own. A: "Our daughter just doesn't want to do anything for herself. She doesn't want to go to college, won't look for a job, and has shown no interest in moving out of our house." B: "It sounds like classic failure to launch syndrome to me." Jenny has always struggled mightily with anxiety and perfectionism—don't you think those might be factors in her failure to launch?