When do you think it's the BEST time to let go of YOUR own parent's apron strings?

I have a terrific relationship with my mum and dad and love them to bits. But after leaving home and setting up place for myself, I seem to be more self-reliant and like to work out problems with my partner or by myself.
Whenever I get stuck now, I tend to go to my partner which is a real blessing.

My younger sister, who is in her 20's still feels as though she needs to run to mum and dad. Mum and dad dote on her. She is married and has a little one of her own now but, rather then depending on her DH, she calls dad and mum whenever she has a problem.

I still share some things with mum now,but I find I can cope better on my own. We can still talk about "women's things" which is good, but I don't go to her or dad with my problems...

What about you?
When do you think it's time to let go of your parent's apron strings?

I'm in my late 20's.
Do you think I should rely on my parents MORE or be self-reliant? Am I missing out on something?

Just curious.

Still love and respect my parents immensely and grateful for the way they raised me.

intersted to hear what others say.

I wrote this reply in your other thread:
Yes and no.

I think I can relate to you a bit. My 23yr old sister relies heavily on my parents, she basically expects them to 'fix' everything in her life for her. Drives me nuts, particularly when they winge to me about it, because they LET her!

Personally, I never expect my parents to help me out of anything. I am very independant, and don't believe my problems are theirs. I am also aware that they don't WANT to be solving my problems for me (and would only rarely agree with my mum on how to do anything anyway). Having said that, thay have helped me out in the past (financially, as a temporary loan) on a couple of occaisions, and I would perhaps approach them if I had need in the future - but it would be a last resort, and I would have no expectations of them (ie, I don't believe they SHOULD help me, and would have no problems with them saying 'no'). I have always had a 'back up plan' in case they haven't be able to or didn't want to help me out, for whatever reason - and the truth is, even as I think of all the times they have helped (for which I am greatful for) it has been them to come and offer assistance to me, rather then me approach them.

I think for me though, this is more of a relationship between 'equals' as I know that the positions have been reversed on occaision and that I have and would return help to them. We discuss things like adults and friends would, we help each other out when needed just as we would anyone we care about.

The relationship my sister has with them, on the other hand, is very much one sided. It is very much a parent / child relationship - where she wants all the benifits of being an adult, with a sense of entitlement and expectation that mum and dad will and SHOULD still provide financial and emotional support whenever she doesn't feel like doing it on her own.

I replied in the other thread too but i just read Misty's reply in here..
I think it makes a difference if the relationship is on an "equal" kind of playing field. I know that mum can and does come to me with some problems and i would help her the same way i would like her to help me. It is totaly different to just expecting your parents to still.. i guess parent you. I hope that makes sense