Independence Day: Parents' Ultimate Task Is To Work Themselves Out Of A Job

With my oldest son a brand-new teen, the reality that I only have a few years remaining to serve as his guide and mentor has sunk in. I'm not sure I like the feeling, but experts say that his growing independence and typical teen behaviors are a normal part of growing up. Since parents are tasked with raising independent individuals who can thrive in a world by themselves, it's never too soon to start the path of self-motivation. Here are tips for raising independent kids so that they become successful and independent adults.