"I’ll never forget how I felt the first time my [toddler] daughter had the snack. Crazy as it sounds, I was really moved by her little act of independence and the obvious satisfaction it gave her. Now, as my children near adolescence, I try to remember that I can guide them, but I can’t tell them what to think or feel. I can try to teach them to make good choices, but ultimately, they must be trusted to choose. And if they know what they want – if they can learn to recognize that special light inside themselves—and if they are brave enough to follow it—they will be satisfied. And that will be enough for me."

PS - 6 years ago DeeDee described her "RIE grad, off to Barnard in NYC this fall. She's an authentic and competent (almost) adult! Thank you!"