When I was young, I would sometimes overhear my parents in conversation about my brother or myself. Other adults commented on how we seemed independent and capable, and would remark on how great it was that we still enjoyed spending time with our parents, even into our years of teenage angst. When asked, “How did you do it?” my father would crack into a gentle smile and ask in return — “How do you hold a bird?” and extend out an open palm.

“Like this.”