I took my first big solo trip in years. My son's independence was the unexpected reward.

• While I was traveling to Greenland, my son unexpectedly became independent.
• He started taking the bus and making his own lunches without me.
• The experience gave both of us more confidence and freedom.

I still worry, and make sure my son can stay in touch when he’s out in the big, wide world alone. He has a phone he can use to check the bus schedule and maps, and to text me when he arrives at school or gets on the bus to come home. Although giving my son so much independence so quickly wasn’t the plan, he rose to the challenge and is thriving.

My son’s newfound independence is better for both of us

Since I’m no longer driving my son to and from school and packing lunches every morning, I’ve added about an hour and a half to my day. Giving up this time with my son has been bittersweet, but time has shown that we are both ready for the change.

Getting out the door in the morning used to be the most stressful part of my day, and I’ve enjoyed the slower pace. I use the extra time I have to myself to start exercising more and planning healthier meals. I’ve managed to see friends more, too, for morning walks or lunch dates. I’ve been wanting to do all of these things for a while, but I hadn’t managed to fit them in between work, household, and childcare responsibilities.

I’m not sure what the next leap in independence will be for my son. However, this experience shows he’s been ready for more responsibility before I was ready to give it to him. And I was ready for it, too.