“It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one on the end of your arm.'”
(Sam Levinson)

I wouldn’t go quite this far when trying to teach my kids self-sufficiency, but I like the spirit of this quote. Too often, I stepped in when my children were struggling with something because I couldn’t handle the anxiety. Then I wondered why they didn’t do more for themselves—I’m the one who gave them the message they couldn’t!

Allowing your kids to struggle doesn’t mean throw up your hands and remain aloof to their suffering. No, there is a balance—it may look different for each of us, but it should include a healthy dose of encouragement, just the right number of hugs, and probably a little more space than you think they need.

Peace begins with pause,