Independence

What is the greatest gift you can instill in your child? Independence.

I have been teaching this school of thought to my daughter for last
five years of her life. She is eleven now and I am very proud of all
her accomplishments. When she is with me, she truly takes care of
herself when it comes to all basic needs in life.

And last night, she took it one step further. Before last night, she
would get what she needs and do it herself. For example, she knows
where all of the stuff is to make breakfast and makes it herself.
But, if something is not there she usually calls out for me because
she can't find the cereal or whatever. Last night, we were out of
bath soap in the shower and she didn't call for me. Instead, she went
all "Scooby Do" on me and went searching for it herself. She found
some hidden away in my super secret soap area of the cabinets and put
a new bar in the shower for her to use.

Now I know what you are saying, "What's the big deal. The kid just
got some soap."
Well it is a big deal:

A: Because she's my kid and anything she does is a big deal in my eyes.
B: Because she didn't ask for my help and didn't even tell me she did
this. If you know my daughter, this is the surprising part.

I guess I don't suck that bad as a parent.
Now, if only I could teach her quantum physics, make billions of
dollars, and support her old man so he can move to Belize.