I think the best feeling as a parent is to see your children way out ahead of you.

Not just on the trail, though that’s good, too, because it means they’re having fun doing something we all enjoy.

Metaphorically, too, it’s great to see them in the distance.

It means they are developing their own interests, taking the initiative to grow in ways I can’t help them, taking risks.

It means they’re growing up.

I love the fact my son knows more about bridge engineering than I do.

I delight in the fact my daughter races around the yard on a unicycle (nothing I ever learned).

I’m thrilled that they both come to me to say they’ve arranged to participate in various extracurricular activities—on their own initiative, and having gotten all the details I need to make sure they are at the right place at the right time.

Having the kids running out ahead makes my life a scramble at times (juggling schedules to make sure everyone gets where they need to go, and can do what they want to do), but it also makes my life easy. The kids are taking control of their own lives and learning. That’s what we’ve raised them to do, and it’s a joy to watch.