You wrote something about parents taking away the opportunity from their children to learn things about the "real" world and how to handle real life issues, by "babying" and shielding them, I wouldn't exactly say it's a bad thing because who'd blame them for wanting the supposed best for their kids, but I also think that the children enjoy the security of it all, because at some point when you leave the comfort of your home and you encounter real life issues instead of facing them head on and thinking and acting for yourself you'd want to run back to the security you've always known instead of facing issues head on - yes your parents shielded you, but your facing the real life now, why don't you face it literally.
I for one was really doted on, infact when I was to leave home to another city for my degree program, my cousins and aunts were saying I wouldn't be able to survive alone without my parents, but right now I'm the most independent person I know, who despite being shielded was still able to face (and is still facing) real life issues, with little or no support. It all boils down to how determined you are in wanting to face your issues by yourself when you can.