Dear Girl worked for herself last night as a henna artist in a store in a small town down the road. Though she is only 12, she sat for 2 and half hours patiently waiting, then working in waves, then waiting again. She was working for and on adults, by herself. I was mostly not there, not hovering, and not managing. She did a great job, made $70, and got an offer for another job in a further town. The whole experience was a fabulous confidence building adult life launching money making independence having event. She is going to have some business cards printed. We are all proud of her.

As a parent, it is very gratifying to see your kids begin to collect skills they can use as adults. Good grades aren't going to feed you. Knowing how to work a crowd for art and money, will. I know she will have many other jobs and skills in her life. But knowing she already has one feels great.

On the way home from a party a few nights ago, my son asked if he has to always wear a helmet with his new razor. I thought a moment and said that he'll have to use his judgment on that. Dear Girl shouted from the backseat: "You use that line all the time to make us feel guilty!" Nope. Dear children, there is no guilt about it. This is the beginning of your adult years. Adults have to use their best judgment to make smart choices for themselves. That's the simple reality of life.