Age-appropriate independence, with a hefty dose of “Wow, what a big kid you are now!” fulfills all sorts of needs inside of children. This is different from no supervision or just ignoring them to do whatever the heck they want. Rightful independence says, “I see you. I notice who you are, and what you’re capable of. This is a new challenge, and you’re up to it. I’ll be right over here if you need me.”
