Ingrid - I look at the kids mine grew up with, and those that were cut loose to make some mistakes, learn to fight their own battles with friends, expected to participate in family work & experience the consequences of their actions have developed into wonderful, strong adults & parents. Of those who were scheduled to death, hovered over, and protected at every turn from every real or imagined peril, many are still struggling to become independent adults at 30, 35, even 40. I thank my parents wise counsel "let kids be kids" and "it won't kill 'em but it will make 'em stronger."
Off to wrangle the boys!
Sue