19 people share how they deal with helicopter parents as adults.

In concept, becoming an adult should automatically free you from the clutches of helicopter parents. But in reality, the most stringent and overbearing parents find new ways to monitor your life and cast unsolicited judgments on your personal decisions.

We've all heard horror stories of the mother-in-law who shows up at the house unannounced, or the parents who call their adult children multiple times a day with obsessive urgency, and while setting boundaries seems like an obvious solution, it can feel more complicated when you're inside the situation.

In a recent Reddit thread, adult kids of helicopter parents shared how they've coped and what has helped them gain independence.

If you're having difficulties drawing the line with a toxic parent, these anecdotes might help provide a template.

1. Ranger_Caitlin just tunes them out.

They say things, and I just kind go “mhmmm” like I’m agreeing that I will do those things. BUT never verbally say I will do those things.

2. daykota1234 gained perspective through therapy.

My dad was never a helicopter parent, he was actually the complete opposite. My mom was a super helicopter parent. When I was a sophomore in high school I got grounded from “everything”. I couldn’t go anywhere or do anything. I had to go to school and come home. I couldn’t watch tv unless it was about God. I didn’t have a phone, or computer, and couldn’t listen to music. For months. It got worse and worse as time went on.