Be Well by Kelly Leveque 364: Why Kids Are More Anxious Today and How to Fix It | Lenore Skenazy
Ever wonder if all the hovering, scheduling, and “keeping kids safe” is actually making them more anxious? In this episode, I sit down with Lenore Skenazy, founder of Let Grow and author of Free Range Kids, to explore how giving kids independence, freedom, and trust can help them thrive.
We cover Free Play Fridays, friendship clubs, and simple everyday strategies to build competence, confidence, and that all-important internal locus of control. Lenore shares real stories, expert insights, and practical tips that you can start using today to help your children become capable, confident, and joyful…all while easing your own parental stress.
Topics Discussed:
→ How can giving kids independence reduce childhood anxiety?
→ What is the Let Grow approach to free-range parenting?
→ How do Free Play Fridays and friendship clubs help kids thrive?
→ Why is the internal locus of control so important for children?
→ How can parents build confidence without hovering or over-scheduling?
Sponsored By:
→ Be Well By Kelly Protein Powder & Essentials | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at https://bewellbykelly.com.
→ AG1 | Head to https://drinkag1.com/bewell to get a FREE Welcome Kit with the flavor of your choice that includes a 30 day supply of AGZ and a FREE frother.
→ Function | Own your health for $365 a year. That’s a dollar a day. Learn more and join using my link. Visit http://www.functionhealth.com/bewellbykelly and use gift code BEWELL25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.
→ Maui Nui | The Reserve Holiday Roast is available now through Maui Nui Venison. Get yours at https://mauinuivenison.com/kelly
→ Kosterina | Use code KELLY for 15% OFF your first order at kosterina.com/bewell Not sure where to start? Shop all my Kosterina favorites at https://kosterina.com/bewell
Timestamps:
→ 00:00:00 - Introduction
→ 00:05:40 - Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride The Train Alone
→ 00:10:52 - Helicopter Parenting Fears
→ 00:18:52 - Stop “Worst Case” Thinking
→ 00:24:51 - Community & Social Norms
→ 00:35:18 - What 5-Year-Olds Can Do
→ 00:40:21 - Social Media & Parenting
→ 00:45:07 - Let Grow Parenting Tips
→ 00:48:56 - Parenting Today
→ 00:52:19 - Yale Museum Study
→ 00:55:21 - Kids & Anxiety
→ 01:02:01 - Joy of Independence
Check Out:
→ https://www.freerangekids.com/
→ YouTube
Check Out Kelly:
→ Youtube