Hope everyone enjoys the last blast of summer! As I move my baby (all 6'3" of him!) to U of Guelph - I am reminded that all they all grow up - through tight spots, over hurdles, under the radar, over the moon. I have enjoyed reading a lot of articles reminding us all how tough and resilient children are. How, likely, we underestimate their abilities. Their willingness to learn and be challenged and despite the sad faces they give us when they are hurt or sad or frustrated - beneath that is tough little fighter who wants to do it on their own, face the battles and come out victorious. We do them a terrible disservice when we sound the trumpets and use our voice and might to fight their battles, regardless of how we pretend it's protecting them. 
My son, god love him, did just that mostly through his high school years- mostly due to a little benign neglect. Though I don't think I attended a parent-teacher interview after grade 4 (always in the gym!). Notably, he didn't always win battles, he learned some tough lessons (some teachers go easier on girls than boys, physics teachers don't care if you are the star snare drummer in the drum-line) But he did it all himself. In fact, through his last year of High School - I went to see a couple of his rugby games - i didn't even know he played rugby! He organized everything by himself and for himself. So, first year of university - a breeze - he's done everything himself - down to organizing all his finances, programs, courses, housing - he's capable, determined and best of all he knows it. 
So as you send your little one to us to learn new skills, make new friends, and yes face some tough obstacles - let them fight - let them struggle - let them win.