My son, Lucas, has taught me a lot since he made me a parent two and a half years ago. I've learned how to function with less sleep, not to sweat the small stuff, to let go of my freakish need for control (a little, at least), and how to be a better teacher. This most recent lesson in how best to teach has unfolded this summer, in the pool. You see, my son is somewhat fearless when it comes to exploring what he can do independently. My husband, Jeff, and I have always encouraged and celebrated this independence from a young age, and Lucas continues to strut his independence daily. It's not uncommon to hear him repeatedly say, "No, me!" when he wants to do something on his own, even though our assistance is required. This fearlessness, and independence carried Lucas right into the pool. He doesn't hesitate to stick his face in the water, blow bubbles, open his eyes under water, jump in, jump off the diving board, or kick and swim wherever he wants to go