I think your theory has merit. I have grown kids, 18 and 24. I tried to instill reflection and decision making skills. I cheered the loses and the wins. What doesn't kill u makes us stronger. But as a parent it scares the devil out of us.
What doesn't kill you may go on to make you chronically ill or permanently disabled.
A wise man once said: When you have one child it's a tragedy. When you have ten children the other nine will help the disabled one, or drown him in the pool.