Since the 1990s, we’ve seen two broad social changes that few observers would have expected to happen together. First, youth culture has become less violent, less promiscuous and more responsible. But over the same period, adulthood has become less responsible, less obviously adult.

Not everything is rosy in the Scandinavian role-model country, however, as its recent backlash against immigrants and refugees has shown. But the Danes are certainly proud of their education and their parenting.

Mothers and fathers, married and single, rich and poor, in cities and suburbs, all kinds of parents all over this country have been criminalized for private choices.

Even well-educated, well-placed parents are afraid that, without constant monitoring, their children’s place in their own class isn’t secure. They put their trust in webs of internships and institutional affiliations.

We may think we can shape our offspring’s futures by micromanaging their childhoods, but history — and neuroscience — show that taking a loving step back could be more productive.

Elderly parents are being forced to take out protection orders against their adult children as they return to the family home, according to a campaign group.