I could have written your original post, JMH. And I could not agree more with the responses you received. My son and I summited on June 26th ascending from Guitar Lake and then descending via the switchbacks to trail camp (we finished our trip to the Portal the next morning). There are indeed some brief stretches of the switchbacks that are well outside my comfort zone, and crossing the top of the chute from the end of the switchbacks to Trail Crest (covered with re-hardened snow at the time) was second only to watching my son lead the way in terms of sheer terror. But it was so very worth it. As the other posters suggested, focus on reassuring your son making just the very next step your goal and you will be fine. I cannot remember how many times I muttered "Good job, stay to the inside" during that trip. It made all the difference. And trust me--if I could do it, you can.
Good luck!
