How do manage easing back and giving older kids more freedom and responsibilities without sacrificing good discipline. My son thinks he is big enough to have more freedom, I agree with him, but I don't think I'm letting go enough.

This is so hard to do. I think it depends on the child individually. My parents made me earn my freedom. I wanted to stay out late I had to prove I would be responsible before I got to do it. I think it's important to let them go and let them grow without smothering them. But... a parent must always know where their kids are.

Alot of it has to do with the individual child. Some kids are rather mature at 15, whereas others aren't at all. If you think your child can handle certain responsibilities (including more freedom), then sit down with him or her and ask them what kind they want. Then discuss what you are willing to allow and what they will need to do to hold up their end of the bargain. If they fail, for example if they get a speeding ticket, then let the discipline be a natural consquence, in the example they lose driving priviledges, etc. Also be sure to explain the reasons for the rules, sometimes we assume they know but they don't always!

I think this is one of the hardest parts of parenting! You have to let your teens have some more freedom, but there is no way to know that they will always make good choices.
Like others have said, I think you have to decide what your child is ready for, and then let him do it.

I have this same problem. My son is 14 and very mature and trustworthy. However, I find myself still wanting to be a little smothering towards him. I can understand he wants to see his friends and that's fine. But, I just don't feel safe in allowing him to go out and run around with a couple of older friends who have just gotten their driver's license. It's not that they're bad kids, but young drivers just make me a nervous wreck and I'm afraid they will drive carelessly and something terrible might happen.

My son is 15 and he wants to cross the interstate to get to his friend's house a mile and a half away. I trust the friend's family, I just hate the idea of him crossing that busy interstate. I know I'm smothering him, I just don't know how to quit.

It is always a hard balance to try and do, but with practice and thinking ahead it can be done. Its something I think all parents have some issues with, no one is perfect.