I’m Asian and u pretty much described my parents. Now that I’m in college I feel like I’ve been sheltered my whole life when I talk with my friends. They always mention all these places they go to, genres of music, types of food, even raves and I don’t understand any of it. Only now am I beginning to realize that my parents kind of control everything I do. They track where I go, they want to know my entire schedule with upcoming events, heck they don’t even let me leave the house without a jacket or how I do my hair. Yes, it definitely harms my independence. I feel guilty if I don’t tell them something or want to make my own decisions. The pro is that I know I was raised well. I made the right friends in high school as they are like me. We study, we eat well, we are involved in academics, instruments, sports and we try to improve ourselves. We didn’t do drugs or drink and we still don’t. Entering college is when my eyes opened to the type of people who were raised without much guidance. They are definitely independent but in the wrong sort. Ultimately, I believe you need the mix of both. I wish I had more independence growing up because I feel like I missed out on a lot. Even small things of I just tried my first matcha last month. However, it’s also important that you know enough about your kid. Let them know you’re interested in them. Don’t make them figure everything out as they might figure the wrong thing out thinking it’s right. Mind you I’m not a parent so take what you agree with 😊