[AnnieK]

Age is a massive factor I think. My son is 7 so he has set bedtimes etc but I let him make decisions.on his free time - what activities he does, what parties he wants to go to etc. I want him to learn to be independent growing up and most importantly to never lie to me so I hope I'll give him enough freedom to do the things he wants whilst being safe and not having to tell me he is at a mates when he is out somewhere else. I don't want to be oblivious to his needs and stifle him but want him to be safe too.....getting that bit right is not easy though as I tend to be a bit neurotic too