Instead, being away from all I knew earlier, gave me the space to become more of myself, use more of my potential, not rely on the comforts of home
Certain circumstances prevented me from venturing out on my own early enough, but I've always had an independent mind so when I did, I think I was able to adjust fair enough. More parents need to learn that shielding their kids from the true nature of life with all its discomforts is counter productive
It is counter-productive, but also natural instinct. It is a challenge to put your own child in "harm's way" (normally isn't very harmful at a young age) so they will learn.