A child who can travel alone, speak confidently to adults, manage pocket money and make decisions without calling their parents may seem unusually independent to many Indian families. But these skills do not appear overnight. Children learn them through small experiences, everyday responsibilities and the freedom to make age-appropriate mistakes. In countries such as Japan, Finland and the United States, some schools and families encourage children to practise independence in different ways. What can Indian parents learn from these approaches, and why does protecting children sometimes leave them less prepared for adult life?
