Once Megan's parents understood what she needed, they supported her moves toward independence, including her plan to go away to college the following fall. Siegel helped the Donovans balance their anxiety about letting go of their child with an enjoyment of their newfound free time for themselves and for each other. "They began golfing and traveling together," Siegel says. "A chapter needed to be closed in their lives, and they were able to close it."

Susan Chollar is a freelance writer who has written about health, behavior, and science for Woman's Day, Health, American Health, McCall's, and Redbook. She lives in Corralitos, Calif.