Shows
TED HealthThe science of raising kids (Part 1): Are you raising anxious kids? with Lenore Skenazy and Mathilde H. RossWhether it’s micromanaging playtime, constantly hovering or incessantly texting, the adult takeover of childhood has created a crisis of anxiety in both children and parents. In this episode, Lenore Skenazy, cofounder and president Let Grow, an organization dedicated to normalizing childhood independence, lays out the unexpected benefits of letting our kids be a bit more “free range.” Then psychologist Mathilde H Ross makes the case on why parents should trust their instinct instead of chasing trends.Talks FeaturedWhy you should spend less time with your kids - Lenore SkenazyIs parent...
2026-02-1026 min
The spiked podcastHow over-protective parents raised an anxious generation | Lenore SkenazyWhen Lenore Skenazy let her nine-year-old use the New York Subway on his own, she was dubbed ‘America’s Worst Mom’. In our age of safetyism, children are expected to be supervised, monitored and coddled at all times – not left alone to explore the outside world. No generation has ever been so sheltered. And nor has any generation felt so anxious and depressed. Here, Lenore Skenazy – president of Let Grow – makes the case for free-range parenting, for letting kids have some independence from their parents, and toning down the panic over ‘stranger danger’.
Read spiked:
https://www.spik...
2026-01-0720 min
Play Nature PodcastEp 20 | Free-Range Kids and the Magic of a Dirt Pile with Lenore SkenazyIt’s time to trust kids more. Let them walk those four houses home, climb that tree, and spend an afternoon conquering a pile of dirt. Freedom, not fear, shapes childhood the childhood we hope to give our kids.
In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler is chatting with Free-Range Kids author and Let Grow president Lenore Skenazy to explore how we, as parents, got so anxious about safety, and what happens when we let kids reclaim their independence.
Together, Rusty and Lenore laugh, reflect, and get fired up about what it me...
2025-11-2546 min
The Self-Driven ChildGreat Parenting Advice From Lenore Skenazy ("America's Worst Mom") Or, "Why I Let My 9 Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone"Ever wonder if we’re raising our kids with too much fear and not enough freedom? In this episode, I’m joined by Lenore Skenazy—founder of Let Grow, author, and self-described “America’s Worst Mom”—to dig into what’s really holding our kids back. We talk about the shift from play-based to phone-based childhoods, and how we, as parents and educators, can reverse course by letting kids take back some independence—without feeling like we’re putting them in danger.We explore how anxiety, both in kids and adults, is often fueled by overprotection, and how letting kids do...
2025-11-1145 min
We Made This Political PodcastEp. 27: Lenore Skenazy on Free Range Kids, Parenting, and PolarizationTakeawaysLenore Skenazy is a journalist and founder of Let Grow.Over-parenting leads to increased anxiety in children.Children need opportunities to develop agency and competence.Cultural shifts have changed how we view parenting and risk.Legal frameworks often hinder childhood independence.Play is essential for children’s development and learning.Parents should encourage independence through practical steps.The societal implications of over-parenting are significant.Schools play a crucial role in fostering independence in children.Community support is vital fo...
2025-11-1058 min
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy FamiliesWhy You Should Spend Less Time With Your Kids [Interview with Lenore Skenazy]We’ve been told that “good” parents never take their eyes off their kids — but what if that’s the very thing making childhood (and parenting) harder? In this fascinating chat, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with Lenore Skenazy — New York Times bestselling author of Free Range Kids and co-founder of Let Grow — whose viral act of letting her 9-year-old ride the NYC subway alone sparked a global movement. Fresh from her TED Talk, Why You Should Spend Less Time With Your Kids, Lenore dismantles the “terrible lie” that children can’t handle life on their own — and reve...
2025-11-0423 min
Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 209: Why Giving Kids More Freedom Makes Them Stronger, with Lenore SkenazySend a textToday on Your Child Is Normal, I’m thrilled to re-air one of our most important conversations with Lenore Skenazy — author of Free‑Range Kids and president of the nonprofit Let Grow, which is leading a national movement to restore childhood independence.Lenore explains why when we trust kids to do more on their own, they grow stronger, more confident, and less anxious. She upends the “hover-parenting” norm and invites us to rethink what real childhood looks like.In this episode you’ll hear:•How childhood became over-scheduled, over-monitored...
2025-11-0350 min
How to Be a Better HumanHow to build your kid's confidence — by leaving them alone (w/ Lenore Skenazy)How do you raise confident and capable children in a seemingly scary and unsafe world? According to Lenore Skenazy, the solution is simple yet controversial — you leave the kids alone. Lenore is the president of Let Grow and the founder of the Free Range Kids Movement where she argues that parents don’t need to hover over their kids as much because they’ll be more than okay — they’ll thrive. Chris and Lenore discuss why overprotecting kids can backfire, how parents might be unintentionally stifling children’s innate curiosity, and why one of the best tools to teach kids is to s...
2025-09-2941 min
Goals, Grit, and Some Woo Woo Sh*tMeet The World's Worst Mom with Lenore SkenazySend us a textOkay, so you’ve probably heard the story: a New York mom lets her 9-year-old ride the subway alone… and the entire world loses its mind. That mom is my guest today, Lenore Skenazy, and she’s been lovingly (and infamously) dubbed “The World’s Worst Mom.” Spoiler: she’s actually one of the bravest, funniest, and most sensible voices in parenting today.Lenore’s simple act of trusting her kid sparked a global conversation about parenting, independence, and the culture of fear we’ve all been marinating in. She went from being vilifie...
2025-09-0952 min
Goals, Grit, and Some Woo Woo Sh*tMeet The World's Worst Mom with Lenore SkenazySend us a textOkay, so you’ve probably heard the story: a New York mom lets her 9-year-old ride the subway alone… and the entire world loses its mind. That mom is my guest today, Lenore Skenazy, and she’s been lovingly (and infamously) dubbed “The World’s Worst Mom.” Spoiler: she’s actually one of the bravest, funniest, and most sensible voices in parenting today.Lenore’s simple act of trusting her kid sparked a global conversation about parenting, independence, and the culture of fear we’ve all been marinating in. She went from being vilifie...
2025-09-0353 min
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast1KHO 553: How to Break Free from the Era of Ankle-Monitored Childhood | Lenore Skenazy, Free Range KidsWhat happens when an entire generation grows up micromanaged, chauffeured, and monitored as if childhood itself were a dangerous crime? In one of the most eye-opening and hilarious episodes of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Lenore Skenazy — author of Free-Range Kids and co-founder of Let Grow — joins Ginny Yurich to expose the absurdity of today’s fear-based parenting culture. With razor-sharp wit and decades of cultural insight, she dismantles the myths that keep parents locked in anxiety and kids locked out of real life. From Halloween candy scares to daycare workers logging every bathroom break, Lenore reveals how fear has crept...
2025-08-2000 min
The Kids Wellness Podcast#037 Raising Resilient Kids: Trust, Risk, and Free-Range Parenting with Lenore SkenazyJoin Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Free-Range Kids movement and president of Let Grow, as they discuss how Lenore's parenting choices many years ago sparked a national conversation that's lasted more than fifteen years. In this interview, she breaks down what it means to trust children's independence, why fear is so prevalent, and how schools and communities can encourage kids to grow. Some highlights: -The story behind letting her nine-year-old son ride the New York subway alone and the media firestorm that followed. -How trust, rationality, a...
2025-07-0649 min
The Good FightLenore Skenazy on Rejecting Helicopter ParentingYascha Mounk and Lenore Skenazy discuss why kids should take risks.
After letting her 9-year-old ride the New York City subway alone—and creating a media firestorm—Lenore Skenazy wrote the book, “Free-Range Kids.” Lenore is also a co-founder of Let Grow.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Lenore Skenazy explore why parents are reluctant to let their children take risks, how unsupervised activities help children learn, and how to embrace giving your kids independence.
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2025-06-1452 min
The Good FightLenore Skenazy on Rejecting Helicopter ParentingYascha Mounk and Lenore Skenazy discuss why kids should take risks.
After letting her 9-year-old ride the New York City subway alone—and creating a media firestorm—Lenore Skenazy wrote the book, “Free-Range Kids.” Lenore is also a co-founder of Let Grow.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Lenore Skenazy explore why parents are reluctant to let their children take risks, how unsupervised activities help children learn, and how to embrace giving your kids independence.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-06-1456 min
Culture Apothecary with Alex ClarkStop Helicoptering! Raise Free-Range Kids & Beat Fear | Author Lenore SkenazyWould YOU let your 9-year-old ride the NYC subway alone?! 😳 Lenore Skenazy did—and got labeled “America’s Worst Mom.” In this episode of Culture Apothecary, Alex sits down with Lenore—founder of Let Grow and author of Free-Range Kids—to talk fear-based parenting and raising confident kids. Giving children more freedom might be the healthiest thing we can do.Thank you to our sponsors!ZEBRA: Use code "ALEX" for 10% OFF any order A'DEL: Use code "ALEX" for 25% off first time orders GARNUU: Use code "ALEX"' to get 15% off you...
2025-06-131h 06
Unlock Your Child's Full PotentialLet Them Grow: Breaking the Habit of Overparenting with Lenore Skenazy [90]Send us a textLenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids and president of the nonprofit Let Grow, joins me to talk about raising resilient, capable kids in a culture that often confuses supervision with safety. You’ll hear the now-famous subway story that started it all and discover why giving our kids more independence isn't risky—it's necessary.We talk about the fears that hold us back as parents, what happens when we overprotect, and why letting our kids take small risks builds confidence, self-esteem, and real-world skills. Lenore shares practical ideas from Let Grow’s free...
2025-05-2831 min
Self DirectedLenore Skenazy | Free Play: The Lost Key to Childhood DevelopmentIn this episode, we explore how modern culture has stripped childhood of the freedom it needs to thrive—and what can be done to bring it back. Our guest is Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids and co-founder of the nonprofit Let Grow, launched with Jonathan Haidt, Peter Gray, and Daniel Shuchman to champion independence, resilience, and real-world learning.Together, we unpack how fear, measurement, and control have come to dominate parenting and education. From the rise of isolated family units to the spread of enrichment culture, today’s children are surrounded by adults who often confuse supe...
2025-05-2237 min
Dad Saves AmericaWhy You Should Let Your Kids Take Risks - Lenore SkenazyI sat down with Lenore Skenazy, founder of the ‘free-range kids’ movement, to explore how fear-based parenting is holding our children back. Once dubbed “The World’s Worst Mom” for letting her 9-year-old ride the New York City subway alone, Lenore has since become a powerful voice challenging the culture of overprotection and anxiety that dominates American parenting. She explains how safetyism, media sensationalism, and misguided laws have created a generation of kids who are less confident, less capable, and more dependent than ever before. Lenore is also the co-founder of Let Grow, an organization dedicated to making it “easy, normal...
2025-05-161h 53
BTC SessionsSTOP Overprotecting & Under Preparing! Raising Bitcoin Kids | Lenore SkenazyMentor Sessions Ep.011: Lenore Skenazy onFree-Range Parenting, Bitcoin, and Raising Self-Sovereign Kids Did you know 80% of kids today are tracked like FedEx packages by their parents? Eight out of ten—crazy, right? But what if all that hovering is turning our kids into anxious, incapable adults who can’t think for themselves? We’re sitting down with Lenore Skenazy, the fearless mom dubbed “the world’s worst” for letting her 9-year-old ride the NYC subway solo. She’s the brains behind Free-Range Kids and Let Grow, a nonprofit smashing the helicopter parenting epidemic. This isn’t just about lett...
2025-05-131h 07
Parenting Without Power Struggles3:25 Let Grow with Lenore Skenazy: Why Childhood Independence MattersIn this episode, Susan and Lenore Skenazy discussed the importance of childhood independence, free play, and responsibility, emphasizing the need to reduce anxiety in children by allowing them to take risks and make their own decisions. They explored the impact of cultural messaging and media on parenting practices, suggesting ways to promote resilience and social skills through programs like free play and after-school activities. Their conversation also touched on the challenges of screen time, the benefits of self-care for parents, and the value of allowing children to contribute to family life and experience real-world interactions. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com...
2025-04-2934 min
How Do We Deal?! Coping With the ConfoundingChildhood Independence with Lenore SkenazyAs parents who often feel like they worry too much, or not enough, or have no idea what they're doing, Dara and Amber were thrillled to connect with the woman dubbed “America’s Worst Mom” only to flip it into a positive movement. Lenore Skenazy sure had a lot of deal with after unleashing a media firestorm with her 2008 column, “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone." But she didn't apologize or back down. Instead, Lenore has been tirelessly advocating for the common-sense notion that our kids are safer and smarter than our culture gives them credit for.
2025-03-1437 min
Hope I Don't Fuck This Up! A single parent podcast with Lili and ScottHow to raise confident, self-reliant kids with Lenore SkenazyLili and Scott sit down with parenting guru (and Lili's parenting crush), Lenore Skenazy, for a fascinating, funny, and practical tip-filled conversation on raising children to be strong, confident, and unafraid of the world that awaits them. Lenore is the president of Let Grow, the nonprofit promoting childhood independence, and the author of Free-Range Kids, and she has been extolling the virtues of opening your door and letting your kid run out to play for over fifteen years. Lili fan-girled out a little, we're not gonna lie.Check out Lenore's socials!:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com...
2025-01-2738 min
Do Something More-Nonprofit Spotlights & Ways to Serve Your Community82. 'Let Grow' and Helping Parents and Communities Foster Independence In Kids (with Co-Founder, Lenore Skenazy)Send a textShe’s been in media outlets all over the U.S. championing the ‘free range kids’ movement, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to feature Lenore Skenazy on this episode of the podcast.Lenore shares how she became the standard bearer for this idea of helping parents foster growth in their kids by allowing them to have independent experiences. We also talk about the nonprofit she co-founded called ‘Let Grow.’ Its goal is to make it easy, normal and legal to give kids the independence they need to grow into capable, c...
2025-01-1537 min
This Helps with Marlon Morgan23. Lenore Skenazy Helps Parents Let Their Kids GrowLenore Skenazy is a journalist, author, and advocate for children's independence, best known for founding the "Free-Range Kids" movement. She is also the co-founder of Let Grow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting childhood independence and challenging the culture of overprotective parenting. Skenazy's work, including her book Free-Range Kids, encourages parents to let their children explore, learn, and grow through self-reliance and outdoor experiences. To keep up with Lenore, visit Free-Range Kids, and to learn more about Let Grow, visit Let Grow. Stay connected: Twitter: @FreeRangeKids Facebook: Lenore Skenazy I...
2024-11-281h 32
Frank Morano Interviews & MoreLenore Skenazy | 10-31-24Lenore Skenazy, Founder of Free Range Kids and the President of Let Grow, the non-profit promoting childhood independenceTopic(s): Halloween myths and trick or treatingWebsite: freerangekids.comBook: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Range-Kids-Parents-Teachers-Grow/dp/1119782147/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=free+range+kids+skenazy&qid=1634222260&sr=8-1Social Media: https://twitter.com/FreeRangeKids?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthorhttps://www.facebook.com/lenore.skenazy/https://www.instagram.com/lskenazy/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
2024-10-3125 min
Scrolling 2 DeathLet Go To Let Grow (with Lenore Skenazy)Lenore Skenazy's life completely changed after allowing her child to navigate the New York City subway alone at just 9 years old.
She went on to publish a book called Free-Range Kids which grew into a movement. Now, Lenore is the president of Let Grow, the national nonprofit she co-founded with three others, including Jonathan Haidt of "The Anxious Generation."
Her mission is to make it easy, normal and legal to give kids back some old-fashioned independence.
In this conversation, Lenore discusses...
2024-10-2435 min
The Heartful Parent PodcastEp 76 | Embracing Childhood Independence with Lenore SkenazyI'm thrilled to share an insightful interview with Lenore Skenazy, originally conducted for the 2023 Safe Parenting Summit. Lenore, the author of *Free Range Kids* and founder of the Let Grow Foundation, discusses the importance of fostering children's independence. Last week, I talked about helping kids grow their confidence and competence. Reflecting on a recent airport incident where my daughter wasn't allowed to fly alone, I thought of this conversation. Lenore and I explore why we should stop fear-based parenting and allow our children to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Whether you've heard it before or...
2024-07-2359 min
Complicated KidsFostering Independence in Kids with Lenore Skenazy Founder of the Free Range Kids movement, Lenore Skenazy, joined me on the podcast today to talk about the importance of fostering independence in kids. She doesn't want much: just a social and cultural shift in the way we think about kids' safety (they're safer now than they've been since the 1970's); adult discomfort (anxiety rates are skyrocketing); and supervision more generally. Lenore reminds us that "When parents step back, kids step up". Join us for a conversation about what that means - even for complicated kids. To find out more ab...
2024-07-0242 min
Apogee StrongLenore Skenazy’s Guide to Fearless Parenting: Fostering Independence and Self-Reliance in ChildrenIn many ways, modern parenting practices might be depriving children of the joys and benefits of independence and free play. With increased emphasis on structured activities, screen time, and academic achievement, kids often have less opportunity to engage in unstructured, imaginative play. This kind of play is crucial for developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions. The shift in focus impacts their ability to build resilience and self-confidence, essential traits for their growth and development.
Lenore Skenazy is a non-profit founder and is known as "America's Worst Mom" for allowing her young son to ride the subway...
2024-06-231h 04
Analog AdvisorRaising Resilient Kids: A Conversation with "America's Worst Mom" Lenore SkenazyIs constant parental supervision limiting children's ability to develop problem-solving skills? In this episode, hosts Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter explore childhood independence and resilience with guest Lenore Skenazy, founder of the organization Let Grow and author of the book "Free-Range Kids."Skenazy shares her journey advocating for more freedom for kids through experiences like independent travel. Skenazy discusses reasonable childhood independence laws and how giving kids opportunities to overcome minor challenges and adversity can build resilience in a way that benefits both children and parents.Links: Let Grow Website | LinkedIn | Instagram...
2024-06-1949 min
The Art of Parenting153: Let Grow. With Lenore SkenazyHow can you empower your child to embrace independence? Listen in to my guest, Lenore Skenazy as she shares her time-tested insights. Click here for the show notes and extra resources. Today’s guest was named “America’s Worst Mom” for supporting her son's desire to take the subway home 16 years ago. Since then, she has been on a mission to support parents and schools to help children regain their much-needed independence. What We Talked About: Why fostering independence in children is crucial for their development, resilience, and confidence How soci...
2024-06-0641 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 139: Free Range Kids! How to raise safe, self-reliant children. With author and journalist, Lenore Skenazy!Send a textSummaryThis weeks podcast is with national treasure, Lenore Skenazy, who discusses the culture of fear and overprotective parenting. She shares her personal experiences and the backlash she faced for allowing her 9-year-old son ride the subway alone in NYC. The media jumped all over it, some even called her "America's worst mom", and this experience eventually led her to write the book "Free Range Kids". Lenore challenges the assumption that children are fragile and need constant supervision, advocating for independence and the development of resilience in ch...
2024-06-0150 min
S.I.A.: The PodcastEpisode 18- Childhood Independence with Lenore SkenazyEpisode 18 features guest Lenore Skenazy, President and Co-founder of Let Grow. After her newspaper column
“Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” landed her on NPR, Fox News and everywhere in between,
Lenore went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement. She has been profiled in The New Yorker, hosted the reality show, “World’s Worst Mom,” and has lectured everywhere from Disney to Microsoft to schools across the country — and the Bulgarian Happiness Festival. Lenore predicts that one day every school will be doing The Let Grow Experience, which she describes as the fastest – and most fun – way to k...
2024-05-2245 min
Neuroscience of CoachingPresenting Teacher Tom’s Podcast (Lenore Skenazy)Lenore Skenazy is the accidental pioneer of the “free-range kids movement” and literally wrote the book on the subject. Following that, she co-founded Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience.“The real problem is that our culture has insisted that adults always be supervising kids.” — Lenore SkenazyAfter her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore Skenazy got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” (Google it!) She went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement that basically says OUR KIDS ARE SMARTER AND SAFER...
2024-04-1833 min
Your Anxious ChildDecreasing Anxiety by Promoting Independence: Interview with Lenore Skenazy President of Let GrowLenore Skenazy is the author of Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow and is President of Let Grow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting play and independence in children and adolesecence. Ms Skenazy created quite a sensation after her article "Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone" and got labeled "America's Worst Mom". This lead her to start Let Grow which is an invaluable resource for helping schools and parents promote healthy growth promoting independence in children. Her approach has the benefit of simplicity and common sense. By encouraging i...
2024-04-151h 00
Consciousness ExploredPresenting Teacher Tom’s Podcast (Lenore Skenazy)Lenore Skenazy is the accidental pioneer of the “free-range kids movement” and literally wrote the book on the subject. Following that, she co-founded Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience.“The real problem is that our culture has insisted that adults always be supervising kids.” — Lenore SkenazyAfter her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore Skenazy got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” (Google it!) She went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement that basically says OUR KIDS ARE SMARTER AND SAFER...
2024-03-2833 min
Faith Matters204. Advice from "The World's Worst Mom" — A Conversation with Lenore SkenazyWhen Lenore Skenazy’s son was nine, he asked her repeatedly if she would let him have a solo adventure in their hometown of New York City. Her son had a specific plan for this adventure: he wanted her to take him somewhere new in the city and then let him find his own way home. Lenore took the leap of faith, and when her son burst into their apartment later, he was practically “levitating with pride and joy” at what he had accomplished.Lenore then wrote an article in the New York Sun called “Why I Let My 9...
2024-02-2452 min
Just Between CoachesPresenting Teacher Tom’s Podcast (Lenore Skenazy)Special "Business Revenue Leak Checklist" offer free at http://www.mrse.co/leak.Lenore Skenazy is the accidental pioneer of the “free-range kids movement” and literally wrote the book on the subject. Following that, she co-founded Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience.“The real problem is that our culture has insisted that adults always be supervising kids.” — Lenore SkenazyAfter her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore Skenazy got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” (Google it!) She went...
2024-02-2134 min
The Hannah Frankman PodcastLenore Skenazy: Raising Free Range KidsLenore Skenazy was once branded as “America’s Worst Mom” for letting her nine year old son ride the subway alone. She is the founder of Free Range Kids and co-founder of Let Grow.
In this episode, you’ll learn how America became so risk averse. You’ll discover why we’ve become so afraid of letting our kids be independent, the developmental implications of blocking our kids from exploring the world, and why their capacity to take risks is so critical to becoming self-sufficient, confident adults.
This episode is sponsored...
2024-02-151h 05
Once Upon a BusinessPresenting Teacher Tom’s Podcast (Lenore Skenazy)Lenore Skenazy is the accidental pioneer of the “free-range kids movement” and literally wrote the book on the subject. Following that, she co-founded Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience.“The real problem is that our culture has insisted that adults always be supervising kids.” — Lenore SkenazyAfter her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore Skenazy got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” (Google it!) She went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement that basically says OUR KIDS ARE SMARTER AND SAFER...
2024-02-1533 min
Course Lab: Lessons from Successful Online Course CreatorsPresenting Teacher Tom’s Podcast (Lenore Skenazy)Special "business revenue leak checklist" offer, free at http://www.mrse.co/leak.Lenore Skenazy is the accidental pioneer of the “free-range kids movement” and literally wrote the book on the subject. Following that, she co-founded Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience.“The real problem is that our culture has insisted that adults always be supervising kids.” — Lenore SkenazyAfter her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore Skenazy got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” (Google it!) She went...
2024-02-1233 min
Teacher Tom's Podcast: Taking Play SeriouslyFree to Be, Free to Grow (Lenore Skenazy)Welcome to Teacher Tom’s Podcast, which is all about taking play seriously. In each episode, Teacher Tom supports early childhood educators, parents, and other listeners with information, techniques, and best practices to provide children with an authentic play-filled childhood.Lenore Skenazy is the accidental pioneer of the “free-range kids movement” and literally wrote the book on the subject. Following that, she co-founded Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience.“The real problem is that our culture has insisted that adults always be supervising kids.” — Lenore SkenazyAfter her newspaper col...
2024-02-0232 min
Where We Go Next93: Solving the Childhood Independence Crisis, with Lenore SkenazyLenore Skenazy started the Free-Range Kids movement and wrote the book, “Free-Range Kids.” Now she is cofounder and president of Let Grow, the national nonprofit promoting childhood independence. Lenore says our kids are smarter, safer, and stronger than our culture gives them credit for.‘Old Enough’ Generates Parenting Debate, Latest Netflix Sensation (Featuring Lenore!) - YouTube 50% of Parents Won’t Let Their Kids Go to Another Aisle in Grocery: Poll - Free Range KidsLet GrowThe Let Grow ProjectIndependence KitLet Grow Play ClubFree Range KidsRaising Independent Kids - Face...
2024-01-2353 min
KindlED | The Prenda PodcastEpisode 30: Raising Resilient Kids. A Conversation with Lenore Skenazy.This week, Kaity & Adriane chat with Lenore Skenazy, author of "Free-Range Kids." You might have heard her called "America's Worst Mom." But don't let that moniker fool you! Lenore's journey from her kid's controversial subway ride to becoming a leading voice in child independence is nothing short of remarkable. In Episode 30 of The KindlED Podcast, we dive deep into the world of free-range parenting with the woman who started it all.This episode also explores:🔥 the importance of independence and autonomy in children🔥 why allowing kids to engage in real-world tasks isn't just good; it's essent...
2024-01-1657 minThe Self-Driven ChildThis Simple Fix Could Help Anxious Kids: A Conversation with Lenore SkenazyI’m thrilled to have Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Free-Range Kids movement, as my guest on the show today. Lenore has been sounding the alarm about childhood anxiety and overprotection for years, and she shares powerful insights from psychology professor Camilo Ortiz’s recent research on how independence - not just accommodation - can help anxious kids thrive. Timeline Summary:[00:53] - Introducing Lenore Skenazy and the Free-Range Parenting movement.[02:09] – Lenore’s New York Times article about how we’ve increasingly deprived kids of independence.[06:15] - Camilo Or...
2023-09-1945 min
3 Books With Neil PasrichaChapter 127: Lenore Skenazy on killing coddling to create capable kidsEarly episodes of Sesame Street from the late 1960s show five-year-olds walking streets alone, talking to strangers, and playing on vacant lots, but when those episodes were released on DVD years later a warning was added at the beginning saying "The following is intended for adult viewing only and may not be suitable for young viewers." I read about this in 'Stolen Focus', the massive bestseller by Johann Hari, our guest in Chapter 121. Johann went on in his book to discuss how 'the confinement of our children' is contributing to our plummeting ability to focus...
2023-08-311h 39
The Happy HourLenore Skenazy: Overcoming Helicopter Parenting and Raising Free Range KidsWhat can “America’s Worst Mom” teach us about helping kids become happier and more resilient? Quite a lot, it turns out! Lenore Skenazy is the co-founder and president of “Let Grow,” a nonprofit organization promoting childhood independence. Back in 2008, her column entitled “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm. And ever since then, Lenore’s been shouting from the rooftops that our kids are smarter and stronger than our culture gives them credit for. She is the author of Free-Range Kids and has lectured everywhere from Microsoft to DreamWorks to the Sydney Opera House. Let...
2023-08-2854 min
Co-Movement Gym PodcastLenore Skenazy: "America's Worst Mom", Free Range Parenting, and the Importance of Childhood Independence - Co-Movement Gym Podcast S3E08The following is a conversation with Lenore Skenazy. Lenore is an American speaker, blogger, syndicated columnist, author, and reality show host, known for her activism in favor of free-range parenting. In 2008, she wrote a controversial column on her decision to let her then-9-year-old son take the New York City Subway home alone, which became a national story and prompted massive media attention, and dubbing as "America's Worst Mom."[1] In response, Lenore wrote the book "Free-Range Kids" and runs a blog of the same name. She is the president of Let Grow a nonprofit whose mission is to give...
2023-05-2253 min
Homeschool Talks: Ideas and Inspiration for Your HomeschoolWhat Can We Learn from "Free-Range" Parenting? | An Interview with Lenore Skenazy What does healthy independence for kids look like? Lenore Skenazy of Let Grow has been studying this idea ever since she made headlines for letting her 9-year-old son ride the subway home by himself. In this episode, Lenore joins HSLDA President Jim Mason to discuss what she's learned about unstructured play and child independence. Lenore and Jim also chat about the recent bill that passed in Virginia to revise the law regarding parental supervision—and how these types of bills affect homeschooling families. "None of us wants a job where we're micromanaged. Neither do kids. You want an...
2023-05-1547 min
Audience of One#011 - Lenore Skenazy on The Importance of Childhood IndependenceLenore Skenazy is the author of the Free Range Kids book and blog, and president of Let Grow — all of which focus on promoting childhood independence. We talk about how society and parents fears are disconnected from statistics, the importance of agency, the connection to current university culture, how let grow is helping, and more.
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(00:33) Lenore's background
(02:17) Free Range Kids and Let Grow
(12:02) The root causes of social & parental fear re: children's independence
(20:50) How to mitigate fear & change parental behavior
(21:26) The statistics
(33:25) The importance of agency
(38:36) Peter Gray's research & the impact of independence later in life...
2023-03-2252 min
The Mark Groves Podcast#255: How to Raise Independent Kids with Lenore SkenazyThemes: Parenting, Safetyism, Fragility, Resilience, Childhood Independence, Autonomy, Technology
Summary:
After her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore Skenazy got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” Nice. She went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement. (Second Edition just out!) She has been profiled in The New Yorker and lectured everywhere, from DreamWorks to Microsoft HQ to schools across America. On TV, you may have seen her on The Today Show, The Daily Show or her own reality show, World’s Worst Mom. Now Lenore is co-founder and president of Let Grow, the...
2023-01-121h 08
Philosophy of EducationIndependence Through Risk: A Conversation with Lenore SkenazyJoin us for a chat with Lenore Skenazy, of Free Range Kids and Let Grow, about raising independent children—why it’s so important, why it’s so hard for parents and educators to get right, and how to do it.
Lenore Skenazy is president of Let Grow, a non-profit promoting childhood independence and resilience, and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement. She is also a speaker, blogger, syndicated columnist, author, and reality show host. You can find Lenore on Twitter, @FreeRangeKids, and learn more about her work on her website, https://www.freerangekids.com/.
2023-01-1055 min
Apogee StrongLenore Skenazy - America’s ”Worst” MomLenore Skenazy is president of Let Grow, a non-profit promoting childhood independence and resilience, and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement. She is also a speaker, blogger, syndicated columnist, author, and reality show host. A mother who lives in Queens, her controversial decision to let her then-9-year-old son take the New York City Subway home alone became a national story and prompted massive media attention. She was dubbed, "America's Worst Mom." In response, Skenazy founded the book and blog "Free Range Kids," with the aim of "fighting the belief that our children are in constant danger from creeps...
2022-08-241h 03
Old Fashioned On PurposeS10 E2: Free-Range Kids: How & Why with Lenore SkenazyToday we have a fascinating guest, Lenore Skenazy, the author of the book Free-Range Kids and the founder of a nonprofit that is making it easy, normal, and legal to give kids independence. We're diving into an intriguing topic of free-range kids and the impact it has on them when adults mitigate all risks. We'll talk about how as a society we got where we are, with parents afraid to let their kids play in the front yard or walk to the corner. And we'll outline practical steps parents can take to give kids a...
2022-08-011h 02
Education Evolution117. Normalizing Independence in Children with Lenore SkenazyAs educators, you know that kids need independence. And yet, many our youth graduate from high school having never had to take responsibility for getting themselves up on time, fixing themselves a meal, or scheduling an appointment on their own. Our kids are being raised in a bubble where parents (and sometimes educators) do it all for them, for fear kids might fail at something. We’re doing our kids a disservice if we don’t back off and give them the power and independence they need to live a full life...
2022-07-0542 min
No Silly Questions- An Education Podcast for ParentsHow do we give kids back their independence? with Lenore SkenazyThis episode explores how much independence we give our kids- physical, mental, emotional- and how frankly, that’s changed over the years, from when our guest Lenore Skenazy was a child walking herself to school at age five. We think this is an important and thought provoking topic, and we hope you enjoy Lenore’s sensational humor. More on Lenore Skenazy:After her column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” prompted massive media attention (2008), Lenore Skenazy was dubbed “America’s Worst Mom.” In response, she wrote and founded the book and blog “Free-R...
2022-06-1659 min
Psychologists Off the Clock253. Free Range Kids with Lenore SkenazyThe pressure to be the perfect parent and create the perfect environment for your kids to grow feels pervasive for many modern parents. Because of this, many caregivers have had the thought that they are the world’s worst parent. However, that title belongs to Lenore Skenazy, president of Let Grow and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement (and book), who was once nationally dubbed "America's Worst Mom". On this episode of POTC, Yael and Lenore discuss the data behind how trusting your kids more and giving them more independence allows them to better grow into capable, confident, and ha...
2022-06-011h 02Psychologists Off the Clock253. Free Range Kids with Lenore SkenazyThe pressure to be the perfect parent and create the perfect environment for your kids to grow feels pervasive for many modern parents. Because of this, many caregivers have had the thought that they are the world’s worst parent. However, that title belongs to Lenore Skenazy, president of Let Grow and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement (and book), who was once nationally dubbed "America's Worst Mom". On this episode of POTC, Yael and Lenore discuss the data behind how trusting your kids more and giving them more independence allows them to better grow into capable, confident, and ha...
2022-06-011h 02
LPP PodcastLenore Skenazy | Future-Proofing and ADDICTION-Proofing our Next GenerationToday's guest wants to "future-proof" our next generation. That is, to tug on the natural tendency of children to explore, learn, and grow competent along the way, just as we, at the Life Process Program want to ADDICTION - PROOF our next generation.
Her name is Lenore Skenazy. Lenore famously (or infamously, depending on who you ask) allowed her child to ride a New York City subway home on his own. In her mind (and in ours), this was sensible, and offered her child to gain some independence in the real-world. Perversely, many parents around the country w...
2021-09-191h 02The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast1KHO 8: Interview with "America's Worst Mom" I Lenore Skenazy I The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast - S2 E2This episode was recorded on August 17th, 2021. In today's episode, Ginny Yurich sits down with Lenore Skenazy to discuss her book, Free Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow. The first edition of Free Range Kids came out in 2009 and the second edition was released earlier this year, in 2021. Purchase your copy here - https://amzn.to/2W80oTT (aff. link). Lenore Skenazy is president of Let Grow, a non-profit promoting childhood independence and resilience, and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement. She is also a speaker, blogger, syndicated columnist, author, and...
2021-08-2645 min
Play It Forward, A Wearthy PodcastPlaying with fear Feat. Lenore SkenazyIn Season 2, Episode 12 of Play it Forward, Lukas chats to “America’s Worst Mom” Lenore Skenazy. Lenore is a mother from Queens who caught the public eye after letting her 9-year-old son catch the subway, alone. She founded a book and blog called “Free-range kids” and co-founded Let Grow school programs and parent empowerment, in her quest to give kids back some old-fashioned independence.
In this high-energy episode Lukas and Lenore talk about overcoming fears and cultivating courage in parents, common myths about what children are experiencing, giving kids agency and freedom, plus a whole bunch more.
https://letgrow.org/program/th...
2021-08-231h 11
What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny MomsFresh Take: Lenore Skenazy on Free-Range Kids and How To "Let Grow"Lenore Skenazy is the author of Free-range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow, the hugely influential parenting bestseller with a newly released second edition. The free-range movement really got started 12 years ago after Lenore's newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm. Now Lenore is co-founder and president of Let Grow, the national nonprofit promoting childhood independence.In this "Fresh Take" interview we discuss the "back in our day" style of play we grew up with, and why having a free-range kid these days is more...
2021-07-3035 min
Sunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 128: "America's Worst Mom" Lenore Skenazy talks about Letting our Kids GrowShow notes & links available here. In this episode, I'm talking to Lenore Skenazy about how letting her 9-year-old son ride the subway alone in New York City led to her being labeled the "World's Worst Mom" and sparked the Free-Range Kids movement. Her book, Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children Without Going Nuts with Worry, along with the programs developed and promoted by Let Grow, counter the culture of overprotection. Big Ideas Over the last decade, Lenore has been fighting the societal belief that our children are "in constant danger from creeps...
2021-07-1638 min
Parenting Without Power StrugglesEncore Episode: Lenore Skenazy, Free Range Kids: Cultivating Independence and Self-Reliance in ChildrenSusan talks with Lenore Skenazy, author of Free Range Kids, about how to raise resilient, confident children. You'll hear practical suggestions for cultivating a sense of independence in your kids, and a lively discussion about what it means to be an attentive parent. https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-lenore-skenazy/
2021-06-2926 min
Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & MoreHow To Promote Independence - Lenore SkenazyDo your kids have the opportunity to be independent? Many of us have become so fearful of the world around us, we have drastically limited our children's ability to grow their independence. In this episode, I talk to Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids about her Let Grow Movement and why allowing our kids to explore their independence is so important for their development and self-esteem.*New!* Watch video clips from this episode on the Mindful Mama Youtube channel!If you enjoyed this episode, and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to he...
2021-06-291h 08
How Do We Fix It?Free The Children. Lenore Skenazy"Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone" was a 2008 newspaper column that turned into a national campaign to help parents raise their children with less anxiety while pushing back against our culture that has become obsessed with kids' fragility.Our guest, Lenore Skenazy, founded free-range kids in the years after she first described making the decision to let her son, Izzy, take the New York City subway home alone. Her column resulted in a flood of media coverage and mixed reactions from parents— from accusations of child abuse to fond memories of childhood freedom. She host...
2021-06-1828 min
The New SchoolsLenore Skenazy - Raising Free-Range KidsLenore is the Founder of Free-Range Kids and President at Let Grow, the national nonprofit promoting childhood independence.After her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” She went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement. Second Edition coming in June! She has been profiled in The New Yorker, and lectured everywhere from DreamWorks to Microsoft to schools across America -- and let’s not forget the Bulgarian Happiness Festival. On TV, you may have seen her on The Today Show, The Daily Sh...
2021-04-301h 09Where We Go Next23: Children Need Freedom to Grow Independent, with Lenore SkenazyThese days, when we hear the phrase "growing up," it tends to mostly reference the growth in inches and feet. But for a child to a grow up, they don't just need to physically grow, they need to grow mentally and emotionally as well. The recent cultural normalization of what is colloquially referred to as "helicopter parenting" has brought with it ever-hovering adults and minute-by-minute-scheduled weekdays and weekends, which have significantly stunted that growth. Lenore Skenazy, Co-founder and President of Let Grow, shares both data and anecdotes that help to illustrate exactly why children need the freedom to grow...
2021-03-241h 08
The Hamilton ReviewPart 2: A Conversation with Lenore Skenazy, Author of "Free Range Kids"Lenore Skenazy, (President of Let Grow and founder of the Free Range Kids Movement) author of "Free Range Kids" is back for part two of her conversation with Dr. Bob. In this episode, Lenore walks us through why free play is critical for kids and they talk in depth about her organization, "Let Grow." Let Grow asserts that: Kids aren't fragile, they are "anti-fragile" - built not just to withstand some challenges, but to grow stronger once they do. The world is not more dangerous today than in decades past. In fact, America is at...
2020-12-0128 minThe Hamilton ReviewA Conversation with Lenore Skenazy, Author of "Free Range Kids"In this episode, Dr. Bob welcomes author Lenore Skenazy to the show. Lenore is the author of "Free Range Kids," her popular book that talks to parents about how to raise safe, self reliant kids, without going nuts with worry. Dr. Bob and Lenore have a lively discussion about Lenore and her husband's decision to allow their nine year old son to ride the NYC subway alone for the first time. This is a must listen episode that every parent should hear and it explains the benefits of allowing children to explore their independence. Lenore Skenazy is...
2020-11-2429 min
The Nelda PodcastLenore Skenazy, America's Worst MomLenore Skenazy’s son had been riding the Manhattan subways his entire life and wanted to make a solo trip. With subway fare, map in hand, and quarters should he need to call for help, he successfully navigated his way home from Bloomingdale’s Department store. He was elated, but the firestorm attacking this parenting decision was a surprise. Skenazy was thrust into the national spotlight with appearances on the Today Show, MSN, NBC, Fox News, and NPR. Says Skenazy, “I was disheartened, to say the least, and shocked by all the things that were being said about me.” In respo...
2020-11-1955 min
The Dad TrainHelicopter Parenting, with Lenore SkenazyHelicopter parents hover above their children, trying to protect them from getting hurt. And according to today's guest, it’s a worldwide trend that is contributing to increased anxiety amongst children. Lenore Skenazy, President of LetGrow.org, believes kids are more capable than we think. If we step back and give them more freedom, they will step up and work things out for themselves. In this interview, Lenore explains the cultural pressures that are causing helicopter parenting and provides some amusing examples of extreme helicopter parents she has encountered. Whilst there’s a fun...
2020-10-0645 min
Your Best Life with Anna VictoriaLenore Skenazy | Free-Range KidsLenore Skenazy is the founder of the Free-Range Kids movement. She's also the president of Let Grow, a non-profit promoting childhood independence. Lenore is also a speaker, blogger, syndicated columnist, author, and reality show host. She’s the author of 2010’s Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry). Lenore tells Anna about how she started the Free Range Kids movement and how her Let Grow Project helps parents and teachers allow kids to be more independent. Lenore has some powerful stats that will certainly make you think. Be...
2020-09-2957 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayInterview with Lenore Skenazy of Let Grow and Free-Range Kids Lianne Castelino of Where Parents Talk speaks to Lenore Skenazy, President of Let Grow and Founder of Free-Range Kids about parenting during the pandemic, helicopter parenting and other topics.Skenazy's 2008 New York Sun column entitled, "Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone," grabbed the headlines in North America, leading to her establish the Free-Range movement. Takeaways: Lenore Skenazy discusses the importance of independence and resilience in children, especially post-pandemic, emphasizing the need for children to engage in self-directed activities. The podcast highlights the cultural shift towards overprotection...
2020-09-2240 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayInterview with Lenore Skenazy of Let Grow and Free-Range Kids Lianne Castelino of Where Parents Talk speaks to Lenore Skenazy, President of Let Grow and Founder of Free-Range Kids about parenting during the pandemic, helicopter parenting and other topics.Skenazy's 2008 New York Sun column entitled, "Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone," grabbed the headlines in North America, leading to her establish the Free-Range movement. Takeaways: Lenore Skenazy discusses the importance of independence and resilience in children, especially post-pandemic, emphasizing the need for children to engage in self-directed activities. The podcast highlights the cultural shift towards overprotection...
2020-09-2240 min