Yes, at a certain age. Not at the age when we know children make most bad decisions that hurt them for life.

So if I see my daughter smoking with drug users, I should trust in her choice in making friends?

It's a disservice to the children if their parents see them making bad choices and do nothing but trust their decision.

Children need their parents guidance until they're 25. After 25, parents can lay back and allow the children have their independence and offer their advice when asked for it.

Any responsible parent who wants the best for their child or has gone through bitter life experiences should know that ages 13 to 25 are when children act recklessly the most due to immaturity.

And that is also when parenting becomes more challenging.