logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2025
14m 40s

Why you should spend less time with your...

TED
About this episode

Whether it’s micromanaging playtime, constantly hovering or incessantly texting, the adult takeover of childhood has created a crisis of anxiety in both children and parents, says Lenore Skenazy, cofounder and president Let Grow, an organization dedicated to normalizing childhood independence. With wit and humor, she lays out the unexpected benefits of letting our kids be a bit more “free range” — and shows why the most teachable moments happen when parents aren’t there.

Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
The sneaky language tricks cults use to influence you | Amanda Montell
In the age of social media and wellness trends, the comments section is as good as a cult compound, says linguist and cultural commentator Amanda Montell. Using Taylor Swift’s throng of devoted Swifties as her guide, she exposes three sneaky language tactics that cults use to inf ... Show More
28m 2s
Mar 12
3 habits to practice curiosity — and escape your phone | Nayeema Raza
We're so entangled with our devices that online has started to feel more real than IRL, says journalist Nayeema Raza. As screens reshape how we connect and relate, she offers three practical habits to reignite curiosity, restore presence and break free from our phones.(Following ... Show More
22m 4s
Mar 11
The award for best comedy wildlife photo goes to... | Tom Sullam
Where's the best free comedy show in town? Tom Sullam, cofounder of the annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, shares hilarious animal photos that dissolve the distance between humans and nature. The result? A joyful case for caring about what we're at risk of losing.Learn mo ... Show More
14m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2025
Why you should spend less time with your kids | Lenore Skenazy
Whether it’s micromanaging playtime, constantly hovering or incessantly texting, the adult takeover of childhood has created a crisis of anxiety in both children and parents, says Lenore Skenazy, cofounder and president Let Grow, an organization dedicated to normalizing childhood ... Show More
14m 40s
Sep 2025
How to build your kid's confidence — by leaving them alone (w/ Lenore Skenazy)
How do you raise confident and capable children in a seemingly scary and unsafe world? According to Lenore Skenazy, the solution is simple yet controversial — you leave the kids alone. Lenore is the president of Let Grow and the founder of the Free Range Kids Movement where she a ... Show More
41m 27s
Aug 2024
Our Parenting Advice: Raising Teens, Family Anxiety & Decision Fatigue
Amanda, Abby, and Glennon take your questions on raising teenagers, managing your child’s (and your own) anxiety, and decision fatigue. Discover:  -The delicate trapeze of parenting teens and how to create openness so your teens come to you when they’re in trouble;  -Why Glennon ... Show More
1h 1m
Dec 2022
061: The Secret Lives Of Children And Why They Keep To Themselves
Have you been wondering why your child is not sharing as many things as they used to? Do they give you one-word responses or would rather talk about things with their friends? Do they seem less interested in discussing different things with you? And does all of that make it seem ... Show More
36m 58s
Jul 2024
How your childhood affects your parenting style
<p>Petrified that your parenting is screwing your kid up? Crying out for support from people around you? Fearne’s pulled together some stories and advice from&nbsp;Happy Place&nbsp;guests who’ll make you feel more empowered and less alone in raising children.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>N ... Show More
37m 4s
Apr 2025
Oprah and Jonathan Haidt on How Social Media Is Changing Childhood
We are only just beginning to understand the impact social media and smart devices are having on the mental and emotional well-being of teens and children around the world. In this episode of “The Oprah Podcast,” Oprah talks to Jonathan Haidt: a social psychologist, NYU professor ... Show More
1 h
Sep 2023
If You’re Tracking Your Kids, Should You Tell Them?
On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp talk about parenting digital citizens. Elizabeth sits down with author and speaker Dr. Devorah Heitner about her latest book, Growing Up in Public. The book helps guide parents through navigating social media and ... Show More
37m 12s