In the U.S. we firmly believe in freedom and independence, but is our current parenting culture one that teaches our children how to be free, independent people? I had a fascinating conversation with Sara Zaske, author of Achtung Baby: An American Mom on the German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children, about her experience living in Germany for more than six years with her family. We talk about the importance of self-reliance for kids including physical freedom and intellectual freedom, and how we can best prepare our kids to handle the responsibilities that come along with these freedoms. *New!* Watch video clips from this episode on the Mindful Mama Youtube channel! If you enjoyed this episode, and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @mindfulmamamentor. Have you left a review yet? All you have to do is go to Apple Podcasts or  Stitcher (or wherever you listen), and thanks for your support of the show! 3 Takeaways: Find like-minded parents and form a safe group of kids for your child to explore their independence with. It’s when we don't prepare our kids how to deal with dangerous situations that disaster happens. Kids need to learn to tune into themselves and say, “Am I okay here?” Sara Zaske is a writer who lived in Germany for more than six years with her family, an experience that inspired Achtung Baby: An American Mom on the German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children. Get Hunter's book, Raising Good Humans now! Click here to order and get book bonuses! ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is a mindful mama mentor. She coaches smart, thoughtful parents on how to create calm and cooperation in their daily lives. Hunter has over 20 years of experience in mindfulness practices. She has taught thousands worldwide. Be a part of the tribe—we’re over 25 thousand strong! Join the Mindful Parenting membership. Take your learning further! Get my Top 2 Best Tools to Stop Yelling AND the Mindful Parenting Roadmap for FREE at: mindfulmamamentor.com/stopyelling/ Find more podcasts, blog posts, free resources, and how to work with Hunter at MindfulMamaMentor.com. Be sure to check out these deals from this week’s sponsors: Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today! Go to Prose.com/hunter. Go to GreenChef.com/hunter10 and use code hunter10 to get 10 Free Meals including free shipping! Visit ThriveCausmetics.com/Hunter for 15% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices