DiscoverYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 209: Why Giving Kids More Freedom Makes Them Stronger, with Lenore Skenazy
Ep 209: Why Giving Kids More Freedom Makes Them Stronger, with Lenore Skenazy

Ep 209: Why Giving Kids More Freedom Makes Them Stronger, with Lenore Skenazy

Update: 2025-11-03
Share

Description

Send us a text

Today 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, and under-trusted.

•Why giving kids more freedom isn’t neglect—it’s empowerment.

•Practical steps you can take this week to let your child take the reins (just a little).

•Lenore’s latest work including her brand-new TED Talk, “Why You Should Spend Less Time With Your Kids.” (Watch it here ➜ https://www.ted.com/talks/lenore_skenazy_why_you_should_spend_less_time_with_your_kids?language=en)  

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : 77:69 9053&discount=15AE5ABAC60&utm_source=affiliate-699053">Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-
To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Ep 209: Why Giving Kids More Freedom Makes Them Stronger, with Lenore Skenazy

Ep 209: Why Giving Kids More Freedom Makes Them Stronger, with Lenore Skenazy

Lenore Skenazy