This depends on the parents and kids, I think. If parents have the financial capacity and kids have demonstrated the drive and motivation to carry themselves as far as possible, I don't think it hurts for parents to give kids a financial boost. But giving to any child with responsibility or motivation issues will just hurt them further and will probably be sending your money down a black hole. Better to wait until that child has his or her act together. 

I can see helping out my kids one day if they fit into the former category. Perhaps by providing matching funds for their down payment, or assisting a child in a low-paying but high-social-impact career who loves the work.

All my kids will get one single degree paid for and supported. I think that's as much as any parent, no matter how wealthy, owes their child. Everything after that is gravy.