My kid just called me in tears.
He and a friend went climbing this week. They are both 18. My kid got a new (to him) car before he left and yeah, we let him take it out of state because really he needs to learn how to drive it with confidence when he returns to college in the fall (several states away.)
When he called (clearly emotional, almost not able to talk) my mind started racing- was he ok? Is his friend ok? Omg, they are coming home tomorrow and I hope nothing happened!
He had to tell me how amazing the climb was and how it was the toughest one he’d ever done. He was very emotional about it.
I didn’t expect him to try El Capitan. 
I may be too permissive of a parent.
= new reply since forum marked as read
They don't call it The Captain for nothing!
when your kiddo calls his mama first when something happens that is life changing, emotional and amazing? Kudos to you! You’ve done something right. That said, the beginning of your post made me catch my breath...because I’m a mom too and there’s nothing scarier than letting them fly on their own. Good work mama...I’m so glad your boy and his friend are okay. 
that is AWESOME! I have been there and seen the beast Wow! Congratulations to your son
not too permissive...
Gibran on Children... always my view about my kids (who have done their share of "extreme sports"
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow...
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
to share a huge achievement that you helped him achieve by showing faith!
Kudos to you both. 
I am pretty happy he felt like sharing the accomplishment with me. 
Between my sisters and my talkative daughter, I wasn't quite prepared for the much quieter reality of teenage boys.
You are not too permissive as a parent.
In the USA, an 18 year old is an ADULT legally, who can die in Afghanistan and other parts of the world in the Armed Forces. They can sign contracts. They can go to adult prison. They are ADULTS.
Therefore, when my son turned 18, I told him I expected him, as much as humanly possible, to act as an adult. I don't regret that approach. Kids have to grow up sooner or later, and 18 is not too early, IMHO.
Again, I'm glad he is ok
