If you know me in real life, you know I am a big proponent of kids packing their own bags for vacation and letting the natural consequences play out. That doesn't mean I just say 'go pack your bags' and wash my hands of the outcome. I typically write a list, reference the list several times, ask follow up questions, confirm certain details before we head out and then I attempt to wash my hands of the outcome. Thus the reasoning behind my son tromping through a college campus with his extremly clunky cowboy boots instead of his more comfortable tennis shoes and why I keep multiple brand new toothbrushes in the center console of my car. We're all a work in progress. I hope today's episode will serve as a reminder to double check your emotional backpack before you head into the next chapter of your life.