Parents often help right away when children forget lunch.

They also help when children cannot solve a math problem.

But experts say children need time to solve everyday problems alone.

Figuring things out is a skill that must be practiced.

The hard part for parents is knowing when to help and when to step back.

Dr. Dana Suskind is a professor at the University of Chicago.

She said the most important thing parents can give children is not the answer.

It is the experience of figuring it out.

Dr. Stephanie Carlson is from the University of Minnesota.

She said children who rarely struggle can feel strong anxiety.

This happens when they must solve something alone.

Experts say parents should step in during real danger.

But they should slow down when the risk is lower.

They can ask open-ended questions.

For example, they can ask what a child thinks or what else they could try.

Letting children feel bored, frustrated or nervous can help their learning.

Independence looks different at each age.

Nicole Knoth is from Flagstaff, Arizona.

She gave her daughters small choices when they were young.

Jemia Cunningham-Elder is from Chicago.

She watches what each of her four daughters can handle.

Then she gives them a little more freedom.

Experts also say independence does not mean doing everything alone.

Asking a teacher for help is part of it too.