We raised our son very differently. We encouraged him to think for himself, take risks, and trust his own judgement. He knew that we were always there to pick up the pieces and to back his judgement. He now takes great delight in telling friends that he was raised feral. But this feral was a barrister at 30, has 2 international patents and several other degrees. All of which he did because he wanted to do. As far as we were concerned be could have been a Garbo. I guess what I am saying is to trust your child and give them room to breathe.