Ever wonder if we’re raising our kids with too much fear and not enough freedom? In this episode, I’m joined by Lenore Skenazy—founder of Let Grow, author, and self-described “America’s Worst Mom”—to dig into what’s really holding our kids back. We talk about the shift from play-based to phone-based childhoods, and how we, as parents and educators, can reverse course by letting kids take back some independence—without feeling like we’re putting them in danger.

We explore how anxiety, both in kids and adults, is often fueled by overprotection, and how letting kids do more on their own actually builds emotional resilience, executive function, and confidence. Lenore shares powerful stories, smart strategies, and even a few laughs to help us rethink how we support our kids in becoming more capable and self-reliant. If you’ve ever worried about being too overprotective—or just want to help kids thrive—this conversation will inspire you to take that first step.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Opening thoughts on parenting struggles and intro to my new workbook
[1:35] - Welcoming Lenore Skenazy and how she became known as “America’s Worst Mom”
[3:54] - The column that sparked a national conversation
[5:17] - The disconnect between our childhoods and how we raise our kids now
[7:53] - How school policies and culture reinforce parental anxiety
[8:50] - The myth of stranger danger and why statistics don’t ease fears
[11:52] - The Let Grow Experience and how it rewires parent and child behavior
[15:06] - Why emotional courage is essential for both kids and parents
[17:59] - The anxious generation of parents—and how overprotection feeds the cycle
[19:43] - What free play really teaches and how it rewires the brain
[24:11] - Why sandbags belong in play clubs and other fun discoveries
[27:29] - Real-world problem solving in play: Franklin and the leaf pile
[30:41] - Why squabbling is not a problem—it’s the learning process
[31:07] - The hero’s journey and how hardship builds emotional resilience
[33:34] - A flat tire becomes a triumph of independence
[34:04] - Phones out, yes—but we must also restore play
[35:15] - Let Grow’s mission to support independence and responsibility
[38:59] - Helping parents take courageous actions, even if they’re still worried
[41:36] - The goal isn’t to eliminate worry—it’s to act with courage anyway

Links & Resources:

Lenore's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/lenore_skenazy_why_you_should_spend_less_time_with_your_kids?subtitle=en

If this episode has helped you, remember to rate, follow, and share the Self-Driven Child Podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and create more content that makes a difference.

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

If you've ever caught yourself reminding your kid—again and again—to get that homework done, check in with the coach, or finally read that book, this episode is for you. I dive deep into the psychology and brain science behind why we nag, how it impacts both our stress levels and our kids’ behavior, and what we can do instead to be more effective, compassionate, and calm.

I share a personal story from my own household (yes, I'm guilty too!) and explore what’s really going on in the minds of both the "nagger" and the "nag-ee." You’ll also hear a powerful example of how one family made a simple shift in communication—and had their best night in years. If you want to support your child in a way that actually works—and feels better for everyone—don’t miss this one.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introducing the workbook: The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child
[1:10] - My own struggle with nagging during my son’s senior year
[3:00] - Why we nag: the emotional drive behind our reminders
[4:35] - The illusion of control and the stress of unfinished tasks
[6:25] - Brain science: what happens in the mind of the nagger
[8:15] - What nagging does to kids’ brains—MRI findings from a key study
[9:55] - A story of a family overwhelmed by homework stress
[11:10] - A simple 3-step plan for changing the dynamic
[12:55] - The power of phrasing: how supportive language changes everything
[14:20] - Shifting from nagging to nurturing—and why it works
[15:41] - About PrepMatters and how we support students without added pressure

Links & Resources:

If this episode has helped you, remember to rate, follow, and share the Self-Driven Child Podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and create more content that makes a difference.

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

Hey folks, Ned here. If you’ve ever felt like life’s got you underwater—like you’re just barely catching your breath before the next wave crashes in—this one’s for you. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, partner, and co-author Dr. William Stixrud to talk about something that’s more relevant now than ever: how we actually relieve stress—not just dodge it.

We unpack the critical difference between stress relief (those momentary escapes) and stress release (the tools that really let the pressure out), and why both are necessary. We also dive into practices that help us become non-anxious presences for our kids, and how that calm can be just as contagious as stress. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, social connection, or just laughing with friends, we explore the science-backed ways to bring your nervous system back online and show up for your family with clarity and calm.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction and announcement of the new workbook, The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child

[1:39] - That overwhelmed feeling—why so many of us are barely staying afloat

[3:12] - Stress relief vs. stress release: what’s the difference and why it matters

[5:39] - Coping methods kids use—and why many of them are just avoidance strategies

[7:32] - The trouble with short-term fixes like weed and excessive screen time

[8:31] - Real stress release through exercise, baking, and yes—carrot cake

[10:15] - How parents’ stress regulation directly impacts their children

[11:38] - Two paths to calm: cognitive reframing and physiological practices

[14:42] - Radical acceptance—how shifting our mindset reduces suffering

[16:31] - The vital role of calm people and community in weathering storms

[20:08] - Emergency stress relief: laughter, singing, deep breathing, and movement

[22:50] - The power of consistent practices like meditation and gratitude

[25:57] - Final thoughts: combining cognitive, physiological, and social strategies for real resilience

If this episode has helped you, remember to rate, follow, and share the Self-Driven Child Podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and create more content that makes a difference.

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com