The author, who grew up as a latchkey kid, struggles to grant her daughter the independence she relished in her youth. Memories of a near-abduction instill fear, leading to restrictive parenting that strains their relationship. After significant reflection and recognizing the importance of trust, she decides to allow her daughter the freedom to walk to a nearby café alone. This decision serves as a pivotal moment in their relationship, showcasing the challenges of navigating parental anxieties and fostering independence in children.
"I needed her to know I trusted her. How could I expect her to be confident and self-sufficient if I didn't show I trusted her?"
"Watching her skip down the front walkway without me next to her, my knees buckled. I started at her shared location, pacing the kitchen, phone clutched in my sweaty hands."
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