Our friend Lela had a dinner party this weekend, and deputized the kids to completely deal with the table setting. The kids (ages 4,7,9) picked the flowers, put them in the vases, and set everything up all on their own. They were so proud, and I realized how much we can err in our interference (“oh these flowers would work better in a thinner vase”), and how good it is for them to feel trusted. It’s such a simple lesson, but one that I constantly need to be reminded of. I find myself all too often just doing something on my own because it’s easier than asking/nagging/explaining…but it isn’t doing anyone any favors.