By Carol Ann

It is important as parents that we realize the goal of our parenting. The goal is to take that little tiny baby and nurture it and care for it and help it grow into a healthy, happy, productive adult. For many parents they take the role of keeping their child safe during this process into a whole new realm.

Every parent knows the feelings of wanting to keep their child locked away from the bad things in our world. But this in not reality. Keeping your child from experiencing the world will make it harder for them when they do.

For a child to grow into an adult, they must experience independence and making mistakes. This can be the most difficult thing for parents, but we must do it, for our children's sake.

Each child is different, so there is not set way to do this. Expect mistakes, and just love them through them. It is best to come to terms with them becoming adults as soon as you can. Do not let them do what they want, but do allow times for them to make decisions about themselves. This will be the true test as to what you have taught them.

Allowing your children to work with the tools you are equipping them with will only make them better at it. You might be in awe that they actually were listening to you all along!