I have always encouraged my children to be independent and stubborn.
In stubbornness, comes determination.
In independence, comes wisdom.
With that said, with five kids, comes a worried mom.
"be free to fly, but I will be watching"
Five sounds like a lot to me. I can barely handle two. With five independent, strong willed kids, you will no doubt be herding cats. But that independence will serve them well in the end, and will ultimately lead to fewer worries. Sounds like you're doing a great job.
One grown, moved out two years ago. Two are teenagers, shared parenting time.
And the boys are preteens.
Nearly done now. Just gotta survive these next few years lol