“When they were very small I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because of what I’d done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be.” (Anna Quindlen)

Our children are amazing creatures. From the moment they enter into this world, they have a mind of their own. Sometimes, because they start out so dependent upon us, we forget that they do.  At other times, they demand that we remember. We do them an injustice when we attempt to dictate every little thing in their lives until they are adults because then they don’t have the chance to really figure out who they are separate and apart from us. So, make it a point to treat your son or daughter as a person in their own right no matter how old they are now because some of the most wonderful moments in parenting come when you give your kids room to breathe and grow. They will surprise you, guaranteed.