To hold, or not to hold?

I am somewhat conflicted! Ethan turned six this week, and he is changing...Again! Guess that means I need to change too! To me, he is a mixture of little boy and big boy. He still needs my help doing things sometimes, but also needs to do things for himself.
He got a new bike for his birthday. No more training wheels. As he is learning this new skill, I get to look tough and encouraging to him, but on the inside I am worried that he will get hurt. Ah the dilemma of being a Mommy...learning when to hold on and when to let go! I am not quite as tough as Dad...thank God Ethan has both of us!
The other day he told me that I was his favorite. "Yes, Ethan, I am your favorite Mom", I pointed out...and he agreed that Dad was his favorite Dad. I didn't grow up with both Mom and Dad, and I am grateful that Ethan is!
In the end, I figure a skinned knee today is an easier lesson to learn at six than at sixteen. So we are both holding on to each other, but figuring out when to let go too!...just a little at a time!