Parents often help right away when children forget lunch.

They also help when children cannot solve a math problem.

But experts say children need to try things alone.

Figuring things out is a skill.

Children must practice this skill.

Parents must know when to help.

They must also know when to step back.

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

She said the best thing is not the answer.

It is the experience of finding the answer.

Dr. Stephanie Carlson is from the University of Minnesota.

She said some children rarely struggle.

These children can feel very worried when they must solve something alone.

Experts say parents should help during real danger.

But they should slow down when there is no danger.

Parents can ask questions.

They can ask what the child thinks.

They can ask what else the child can try.

Children can feel bored, frustrated or nervous.

This can help them learn.

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 has four daughters.

She watches what each daughter can do.

Then she gives her a little more freedom.

Experts also say independence does not mean doing everything alone.

Asking a teacher for help is also part of it.