Raising children is one of life’s most rewarding yet demanding responsibilities. But contrary to what some may think, the job doesn’t end when they turn 18. In many cases, the challenges of parenting actually continue—and even intensify—as children become young adults navigating independence, responsibility, and identity.

One single mother recently faced such a dilemma with her 21-year-old son. Living at home while attending community college part-time and working sporadically, he began to express increasing frustration about his lack of transportation. Eventually, he issued an ultimatum: either she buy him a new car, or he would move in with his father, who had previously been mostly absent from his life.