How to Raise Confident Kids in an Age of Anxiety | Lenore Skenazy | TED
How to Raise Confident Kids in an Age of Anxiety | Lenore Skenazy | TED – Synopsis
In her compelling TED talk, Lenore Skenazy, dubbed “America’s Worst Mom,” explores the paradox of modern parenting—how a culture obsessed with safety has curtailed children’s independence, leading to rising anxiety and depression among youth. Skenazy recounts her own radical decision to allow her nine-year-old son to navigate the New York City subway alone, prompting widespread debate about childhood freedom.
She introduces the concept of “Free-Range Kids,” advocating for a parenting style that grants children opportunities for independence, exploration, and risk-taking. Skenazy highlights alarming statistics: most kids today rarely roam their neighborhoods unsupervised, robbing them of critical developmental experiences. These missed opportunities can result in low self-esteem and heightened anxiety.
Drawing upon research, she argues that allowing children to tackle small challenges fosters resilience. Skenazy shares practical steps for parents, like the “Let Grow Experience,” a simple homework assignment encouraging kids to do something independently. She calls for community involvement to normalize outdoor play and advocates for legislative changes that support childhood independence.
With humor and insight, Skenazy inspires a movement to re-envision childhood, emphasizing trust and freedom as essential ingredients for raising confident, capable kids in today’s anxious world.
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Video “How to Raise Confident Kids in an Age of Anxiety | Lenore Skenazy | TED” was uploaded on 11/30/2025 to Youtube Channel TED