I never play with my kids at the playground. Other parents may think I'm lazy, but there's a good reason I sit back.

Jodie Lopez has always wanted her kids to be independent. Courtesy of Jodie Lopez

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jodie Lopez. It has been edited for length and clarity.

When I first became a mother, I knew I wanted my children to grow up to be independent, resilient, and prepared for life in the real world.

Growing up, my mom wasn't around much. Although I didn't want my children to feel alone as I often did, I did want to pass on the independence I developed by doing things for myself.…