When Lenore Skenazy let her nine-year-old ride the subway alone, she was dubbed "the worst mother in the world." In this preview of Saturday's interview, discover why preparation beats protection and how trusting kids with real responsibility helps them become capable adults. Plus, learn why the illusion of control might be holding our children back.

Quote of the Episode: "If you want responsible kids, you have to give them responsibility"—Alfie Kohn

Key Insights:
Preparation matters more than protection.
Trust builds capability and confidence.
Control is ultimately an illusion.
Mistakes are learning opportunities.
Clear boundaries enable independence.
Practice builds competence.
Real-world experience teaches responsibility.
Consequences should lead to learning, not restriction.

Resources Mentioned:
Let Grow movement
Lenore Skenazy's work
Jonathan Haidt's research
Happy Families

Action Steps for Parents:
Prepare Rather than Prevent
Practice skills before independence
Provide necessary tools and information
Create clear safety guidelines
Build Trust Gradually
Start with small responsibilities
Allow learning from mistakes
Maintain open communication
Focus on Growth
Use setbacks as teaching moments
Celebrate increased independence
Balance freedom with preparation

When Lenore Skenazy let her nine-year-old ride the subway alone, she was dubbed "the worst mother in the world." In this preview of Saturday's interview, discover why preparation beats protection and how trusting kids with real responsibility helps them become capable adults. Plus, learn why the illusion of control might be holding our children back.
Quote of the Episode: "If you want responsible kids, you have to give them responsibility"&mdash;Alfie Kohn
Key Insights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Preparation matters more than protection.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Trust builds capability and confidence.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Control is ultimately an illusion.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mistakes are learning opportunities.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Clear boundaries enable independence.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practice builds competence.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Real-world experience teaches responsibility.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Consequences should lead to learning, not restriction.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://letgrow.org">Let Grow movement</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Lenore Skenazy's <a href="https://letgrow.org/author/lskenazy/">work</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Jonathan Haidt's <a href="https://jonathanhaidt.com">research</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families</a></li>
</ul>
Action Steps for Parents:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Prepare Rather than Prevent</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Practice skills before independence</li>
<li aria-level="2">Provide necessary tools and information</li>
<li aria-level="2">Create clear safety guidelines</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Build Trust Gradually</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Start with small responsibilities</li>
<li aria-level="2">Allow learning from mistakes</li>
<li aria-level="2">Maintain open communication</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on Growth</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">Use setbacks as teaching moments</li>
<li aria-level="2">Celebrate increased independence</li>
<li aria-level="2">Balance freedom with preparation</li>
</ul>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1198- The 'Worst Mother' Who Got It Right

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/df445810-2f6f-43bc-b88d-b29500c51c13/transcript

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