You’re letting your kid do that?” The question hangs in the air. Accompanied by raised eyebrows and wide eyes, the surprise is clear. I’m letting my kid do something unexpected, as if I went off script from the parenting manual. This time it was because we let our 17-year-old son drive across two states with a friend to attend a three-day athletic camp. But it’s a familiar question that’s been sprinkled across almost two decades of parenting. Alongside the incredulity, the question is often laden with other emotions. Curiosity, admiration, fear or disapproval have tinged the tone and ensuing conversation. Reviews on our parenting are mixed/Correspondent Jill Barville, SR. More here.

Question: How did your parents teach you to be independent?