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

My daughter started taking public transportation to school at just 10. The independence has given her a lot of confidence.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A mom and her daughter pose in Morocco.
My daughter and I during a trip to Morocco. I'm glad the independence she's gained while taking public transit in Washington, DC, has made her a more confident traveler anywhere we go.

Jamie Davis Smith

A dating expert explains why living apart keeps the spark alive in older relationships

Tech Insider : Business
Logan Ury
Logan Ury, a dating expert on "The Later Daters"

Jonny Marlow

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