Anyone involved in teaching young children knows how important it is to develop skills for independence, but it can be a tricky balance. How much risk-taking is acceptable? How much time can we allow for trial and error? As someone once said, “It’s okay not to know, but it’s not okay to not try”. Sometimes our desire to help can actually hinder children’s progress in this regard. Liz Boffey looks back on her experiences, considering how independence can be encouraged and the differences small changes can make.