I Hate Camping

I’m not a fan of camping. But I volunteered to chaperone my younger daughter’s school camping trip this past week because I was worried. She had just started middle school, and was about to go on this adventure with all new classmates. My protective instincts wanted to help her adjust, make friends, and feel safe.

I should have just trusted that my daughter is naturally creative, resourceful, and capable.

With a simple, “Mama, we’ve got this,” she and her tent mates figured out how to set up the tent on their own. And they went from barely knowing each other to giggling together well into the night.

At the end of the trip, my daughter gave me a big hug and said, “Thanks, Mama.” I asked her what for—since I didn’t really help much—she said, “Knowing you are here if I need you was enough. And thanks for giving me space to be with my new friends.”

My years in the corporate world made me into a proud problem solver. And one of the hardest adjustments as I transition into coaching, is learning that solving problems doesn’t always mean stepping in.

Whether as a mom or a leader, solving problems is not always about taking full control. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is trust others, build their confidence, and give them the space to step up and be the amazing human beings they already are.