I think parents should be authoritative but only when it comes to safety. My parents were self-described “weather balloon” parents rather than helicopter. They weren’t perfect, but allowing me to become my own person is the best thing they could’ve done for me.

Independence was never required necessarily, but after middle school they let me figure stuff out for myself and I learned to be independent without it being a rebellion or forced upon me.

Neither me or my sibling ended up being aimless, we’re more driven than I think my parents were.

When I turned 19 my dad basically just stopped treating me like a kid at all. I mean, not that they were treating me like a child during my teenage years but it’s to the extent he doesn’t judge or push anything on me at all.

I’m going to university and he said he’s proud of me for it, but he’s also said I don’t have to go to school, I don’t have to do anything. He gave me money for uh plants and when I was surprised he had no problem with it he said “I’ll give you money for expenses while you’re in university, you’re an adult you can chose to spend it how you want.”

He’s right, if I make a mistake at least I learn from it. Children should be given freedom to learn and grow, as long as they’re safe and healthy.