When we are mindful, we are not fixing but rather supporting another in her distress or in her choices. We respect her freedom and yet stand by if she needs a hand. This is the same protocol we follow in parenting older adolescents. We do not stand by and let them be hurt; we inform them of possible consequences. Yet once they have the information, we do not stop them from making choices that may hurt them. A mother cannot prevent her daughter’s mistakes but can help her deal with their consequences.
