Lever Time Parenting Advice From The World’s Worst Mom
Dec 4, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Lenore Skenazy, author of 'Free-Range Kids' and founder of Let Grow, shares her bold take on parenting. She recounts her infamous moment as the 'World’s Worst Mom' when she let her child ride the NYC subway alone, sparking a viral debate. Lenore tackles the misconceptions surrounding child safety and the significance of nurturing independence. Delving into the media's role in creating parental anxiety, she explains how letting kids explore can foster real-world competence, turning fear into trust.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Subway Trip That Sparked Independence
- David Sirota recalls riding the Broad Street subway alone at 14 or 15 and feeling exhilarated and independent.
- That memory frames his view that childhood autonomy used to be common and empowering.
The Viral Subway Column
- Lenore Skenazy tells the viral story of letting her nine-year-old ride the NYC subway alone from Bloomingdale's.
- The column sparked national outrage and labeled her the "world's worst mom."
Stranger-Kidnapping Is Extremely Rare
- Lenore cites research showing stereotypical stranger-kidnapping odds are vanishingly small, like one in 720,000.
- She uses the statistic to challenge exaggerated parental fears about outdoor safety.
