I've let my kids take Amtrak by themselves since they were 13. I love giving them independence.

The author's son has taken the Amtrak alone since he was 13.

Courtesy of Sara Clarke

• My kids have been taking Amtrak alone to their grandparents' house since they were 13.
• We just have to follow Amtrak's strict guidelines for kids traveling alone.
• My kids love their independence, and I love giving it to them.

As the parents of teens, my husband and I work to balance being mindful of how they spend their time and giving them more freedom as they get older. In our Northern Virginia suburban neighborhood...