Nathan's cousin recently wrote this article.   It kind of makes me want to live in Switzerland.  And not just for the chocolate and cheese.  I want to live in a world that values independence, and that is safe enough to enable it.

When Zak was in kindergarten, I was required to pick him up from his bus stop.  It was down a small hill and around the corner from our home, yet inside our subdivision.   When I think about it now, I feel like it was more dangerous for him to be on a bus with middle-schoolers than it would have been  to walk 6 minutes alone on our quiet neighborhood road. 

Another neighborhood we lived in had a small park and walking path.  Zak would beg me to let him play basketball at the park.  I could see him from my window, yet I was always relieved when he was safely home.  

When I was 10 years old, I would ride my horse through orchards and on faux trail rides through our city.   I loved it.  I didn't feel too young, or too inexperienced, though I probably was.  

I am the first to admit that the differences between my experiences and Zak's are unfair.   But I don't know how to reconcile the two as a parent.  If I let my guard down, could I forgive myself if something unforgivable happened to one of my children?

I don't know how to cultivate  independence, self-reliance, and confidence in my own children, in a world that I feel necessitates constant supervision.   I'll let you know when I figure it out, or maybe, I'll just move to Switzerland.    

Is it horrible that I didn't remember it was Father's day on Sunday until today?