and point to the value of asking them of a qualified teacher.

Ask them of yourself. Who could be more qualified to answer your own questions?

Questions and answers have the same source. Find the source of the question, and the answer will become clear.

It's just that from my own experience without touching base with others and in particular teachers eventually I start going down odd and unhelpful paths

The one time I was pulled badly off direction was by tying myself to a teacher who, while competent and well meaning, wasn't the right teacher for me. Before accepting a teacher it helps to have some self-awareness if one wishes to avoid that problem. Of course, in the beginning one may need to accept a teacher in order to find some self-awareness... One of the conundrums of the game.

I find my protective mothering instincts kick in when I feel society is trying to keep them from having freedom and opportunity in this life. I desire that my children have a good education, good health care, and the freedom to be whoever they want to be. Is it wrong to desire these things? Maybe that is the wrong question. Is it wrong to allow these things to anger me is probably the right question. I think it is probably right to take appropriate action to ensure they have their freedom and opportunity, but I think what I have to work on is not letting it upset and worry me so much. Which of course is the hard part.