Johnny ran over to the slide and started climbing up. Cautiously, he looked over at his mom, Jenny, who was strolling casually toward him, to gage her reaction. Jenny called out, "You can do it! I am right here!" Johnny confidently continued his climb up the ladder, slid happily down the slide, and then raced to the climbing wall. Jenny followed him over, standing behind him to keep him safe; but, let him take the lead as he climbed up. "I'm right here-you're doing great-just one foot at a time-good job holding on tight with both hands-keep it up-you've got it!" Johnny felt great and couldn't wait to do it again.

Billy ran over to the same slide and started to climb up. Cautiously, he looked over at his mom, Beth, who was racing to him with a worried look on her face. "Wait until I get there! You might fall!" she called out, rushing to get a good grip on him in case he fell on his last few steps. After Billy slid down he took a good look at the climbing wall; but, Beth said, "You're too little to do that."

So, my question to you is: which little guy left the park that day better prepared for school? Which one left the park that day more likely to try new things and take appropriate risks? Which one left feeling confident, happy, and fulfilled?

One of the most difficult things we do as parents is let go; and, even harder than letting go is being willing let your kids take risks or maybe even skin a knee and get a few bumps along the way.