In her talk, Lenore Skenazy argues that many parents today, caught up in a culture of fear and hyper-protection, inadvertently deprive children of the very experiences they need to grow into confident, resilient adults.
Skenazy points out that decades of media-driven fear have convinced many caregivers that kids are constantly in danger, so much so that everyday childhood tasks like walking to school, playing outside with friends, or solving small problems on their own have become almost taboo. She warns that this over-protection can erode a child’s sense of autonomy, fuel anxiety, and stifle the natural confidence that comes from doing things independently.
Instead, Skenazy calls for a return to “real childhood”–a version in which children are trusted with age-appropriate responsibility, allowed unsupervised play, and encouraged to take small risks under safe conditions. She argues that by gradually giving children freedom and opportunities to make mistakes (and learn from them), parents and communities can help kids build true self-reliance, resilience, and emotional strength.
Importantly, this isn’t about reckless parenting or neglect. Skenazy emphasizes “safe, sane” freedom, suggesting practical, incremental steps families and neighborhoods can take to renormalize independence, unsupervised play, and trust in young people. Ultimately, her message is a reminder: when children are given space to explore, fail, try again, and succeed (on their own terms), they become more confident, capable, and ready for life.
To watch this Ted Talk, click here!
Erin Mulroy
UConn KIDS Research Assistant