<p>I agree, Hunt. I myself tend to think out loud by talking. But back in the dark ages when we only had the dorm hall phone, we just did what we had to do and made all the little daily decisions without conferring with our parents first. With the advent of cell phones and the internet, I think some kids can become lazy about doing the work of thinking everyday things through and just continue to use mom and dad as their auxiliary brain. Parents, knowing they have the ability to be in constant communication, have also become lazy about preparing their children to go out in the world and be independent and self-sufficient. Rather than teach them how to make decisions, fill out forms at the doctor’s office, do their taxes, etc. they put if off because the kid can just call them later when necessary.</p>