Is this a generation gap?

My best guy friend is 35. I'm 21. He has 4 children. All his children are straight A children. His one son has fallen off the wagon recently. My friend thinks he's done with him and that he's gonna let him figure out his life alone. I think he needs to stay with him and push and encourage him. He says it's because of our generation gap and people my age try to baby teens and young adults. I think that's being a good parent. Not babying them but encouraging them. If we give up on our children who will believe in them?? They aren't gonna believe in themselves without us. Am I wrong? Is this a new gen X thing?