While on a date, my husband and I asked if the restaurant was hiring. The next day, our son interviewed and got a job.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
The author poses with her son on a shoreline.
The author said she and her husband both started working as young teens, and their son wanted to do the same.

Courtesy of Chris Rosenberg.

I'm learning to give my kids more independence. It's not just about trusting them, but also trusting my small-town community.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Two children riding their bikes on a path, wearing helmets.
The author is learning to give his children (not pictured) more independence.

Imgorthand/Getty Images

If I'm being honest, I didn't really enjoy family vacations until my kids turned 10

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author's kids standing on a dock overlooking water.
The author said family trips improved once she could give her kids some independence.

Courtesy of Sandra Lee.

I was scared to let my kids bike alone or go to sleepovers. Giving my 10-year-old more independence has helped me be more confident, too.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her family in front of a body of water.
The author and her husband have three kids.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

My 15-year-old daughter wants a summer job. I want her to enjoy being a kid.

Tech Insider : Business
A teen does a cartwheel in a sprinkler.
The author says her daughter (not shown) is eager to grow up, but she wants her to have one more carefree summer.

Chris Clor/Getty Images

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

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