I've let my kids take Amtrak by themselves since they were 13. I love giving them independence.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Sara Clarke's son in front of an Amtrak sign
The author's son has taken the Amtrak alone since he was 13.

Courtesy of Sara Clarke

I've raised my teen to be independent since kindergarten. Now she's teaching me how to be self-reliant with tech.

Tech Insider : Business
A selfie of a mom and daughter
Laura Burgoyne and her daughter, Elizabeth.

Courtesy of Laura Burgoyne.

I wasn't sure if my daughter was ready to sleep over at a friend's on her own. I decided to join her.

Tech Insider : Business
Mom and daughter at sleepover
The author joined her daughter at a sleepover.

Courtesy of the author

I was more of a free-range parent when my kids were little. Now that one is old enough to drive, I track him.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
A teen boy sits in the driver's seat of the family car before taking his two younger siblings to school (also pictured in the car).
The first time my son drove both of his siblings to school, I was glad I could track them on an app.

Courtesy of Kathy Larson

My 8-year-old invited his 4 best friends for dinner. I sat at a separate table and watched them have fun independently.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
Kids chatting
The author's son invited his best friends for dinner.

Courtesy of the author

I've been giving my 8-year-old more independence. It's been great for our family.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
The author's son poses outside, in front of greenery, while wearing a light-colored shirt.
The author has been letting her 8-year-old son experiment with more independence in recent months.

Courtesy of Sydni Ellis

I still book doctor appointments and send groceries to my 20-something sons, but I'm trying to redefine my relationship with them

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Close Up Of a Mother Helping Her Son Getting Ready For work

kankarash_tara/Getty Images

My 11-year-old wanted to ride his bike alone. It took bravery from both of us.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her son in a garden shed.
The author wasn't quite sure her son was ready to ride his bike alone, but they made a plan to give it a try, anyway.

Courtesy of Ashley Archambault

I took a one-night solo trip to a different country. It taught me how to transform discomfort into confidence.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author posing in London.
I took a one-night solo trip to a different country, and it transformed my confidence and independence.

Taila Lee

I'm a mom and a travel writer. Here's how I encourage independence with my 7-year-old when traveling.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Mother and son at airport looking out window, they are both wearing backpacks.
The author (not pictured) encourages her son to be independent while they travel.

Getty Images

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