My daughter wants later curfews, the freedom to date, and unlimited phone and online time. The things that can happen to children scare me to death. Being a parent is physically grueling, financially costly, and emotionally challenging. Given all that, have compassion for yourself. The more compassion you have for yourself as a parent, the more you can have for loved ones.
All parents make mistakes, sometimes big mistakes.
Yes, the world can be dangerous, but good parenting includes both protecting your children and gradually letting them lead their own lives. The key is balance. If, for example, you forbid your children to ask questions because you feel challenged by dissent, or you make children's decisions for them because it hurts to see them fail, you may be putting your fears and needs first. Part of what's so difficult about being a parent is that it's a lifelong process of letting go. Your children will eventually go their own way, whether you're ready or not.