Lenore Skenazy, president of “Let Grow,” founder of the Free-Range Kids movement, and former “worst mom in America” was at the Rye Free Reading Room earlier this month to talk about easing the anxiety of raising children in the 21st century.
Skenazy was dubbed the worst mom in 2009 after she let her 9-year-old go home on the New York City subway alone. The story became a national sensation and it led her to co-author “The Anxious Generation” and to speak publicly about the importance of easing up on children and letting them be themselves.
The event, sponsored by Heard in Rye, was part comedy show and part instruction for parents on how to reduce their anxiety surrounding granting their children more independence and “letting kids be kids.”
Skenazy engaged audience members and encouraged parents to stop and question the “why” behind some of the parenting decisions that have become the norm over the past 50 years.
Correction: This story has been updated to with the correct name of the “Let Grow” organization and the correct photographer.
