I taught my son to do his own laundry when he was 9. Now that he's an adult, he says he's glad I gave him that independence.

Tech Insider : Business
Tawnya Gibson and her son then and now
The author gave her son independence at a young age.

Courtesy of Tawnya Gibson

I've worked with over 100 women returning to the workforce after career breaks. They all downplay their experience.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Palmer headshot
The author coaches women reentering the workforce after a career break.

Courtesy of the author

I regret signing my kids up for so many activities when they were younger. They really didn't benefit from being rushed around.

Tech Insider : Sports, Business
A young boy wearing a yellow soccer shirt sits on the field.
The author said she felt pressure to sign up her young kids (not shown) for a variety of activities. Now that they're older, she wishes she hadn't tried to pack in so much.

Aflo Images/Getty Images

At 18, I was managing a Wendy's. Years later, I earned a record $496,900 in a single bowling season.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
Kyle Troup playing bowling
Kyle Troup stars on the new HBO documentary "Born to Bowl"

/TIM FULLER

We gave my grandma an iPhone when she was 80. I learned a lot about her from what she started watching on YouTube.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman watching youtube videos
The author's grandmother discovered YouTube.

Courtesy of CHIN-TSU

I started letting my son bike with his friends when he was 8. It gives me anxiety, but I see the value in having independence.

Tech Insider : Business
Kids biking
The author's kids are part of a neighborhood "bike gang."

Courtesy of the author

I love having my 20-year-old daughter visit home from college. I also love it when she leaves, and I have my independence again.

Tech Insider : Business
Mick Jensen and his college-aged daughter sitting on a bench
The author loves when his college-aged daughter visits.

Courtesy of Mick Jensen

I let my kids swear at home. It has improved our communication, and they are more open with me.

Tech Insider : Business
Kids sitting on stoop
The author doesn't police her kids' swearing.

Courtesy of the author

I sent my son to Australia alone when he was 13 so he'd be more independent. Now that he's an adult, I get advice from him.

Tech Insider : Business
Mom and son walking on beach
The author (not pictured) raised her kids to be independent.

alyfromuk2us/Getty Images

When my kids got their first phones at 10, I made them sign a physical contract. They're teenagers now, and it's still binding.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Sports
author's son on the couch with his cellphone
The author's kids had to agree to strict rules before getting a cellphone.

Courtesy of Naomi Tsvirko

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