How 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 societal changes have increased parental fear and overprotection Practical ways parents can encourage independence in their children Balancing safety and freedom How modern technology is reducing family communication Benefits of Unstructured Free Play Balancing technology and real-world experiences Things to Remember “Parenting is recognizing that kids are going to be who they are. We have got to give them space and time to figure that out on their own.” “Independence is so crucial to children and so natural. It's like a vitamin.” “With parents being away, kids are called upon to do new things and recognize just how competent they can be.” “The more control you think you have doesn’t actually make you more calm.” “Give your kids chances to help you and to show you how capable, competent, and kind they are.” “There's too much pressure on parents to know everything and to shape our children when we can’t.” - Lenore Skenazy “The child looks for his independence first, not because he does not desire to be dependent on the adult. But because he has in himself some fire, some urge, to do certain things and not other things.” - Dr. Maria Montessori   Click here for the showe notes and extra resources.