Thursday, November 21, 6:30 pm Sandler Family Campus
Strelitz International Academy, in partnership with the Simon Family JCC, will present Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Let Grow movement and author of Free-Range Kids, for an engaging event at the Simon Family JCC. Skenazy, who has been a leading voice in promoting independence for children, will share insights from her groundbreaking book and discuss how schools, parents, and communities can empower young learners to develop resilience, confidence, and autonomy.
Skenazy gained notoriety after writing about her decision to let her nine-year-old son navigate New York City’s subway system alone. This bold parenting choice earned her the title of “America’s Worst Mom” from some critics, but also sparked a national conversation about how much freedom and responsibility children should be given. Out of this debate grew the Free-Range Kids movement, which advocates for giving kids more independence to explore the world at their own pace, without unnecessary restrictions or fear.
As the founder of Let Grow, Skenazy leads efforts to promote childhood independence, with a focus on shifting how schools and parents think about safety and growth. The Let Grow movement encourages initiatives such as ‘Let Grow Projects’ in schools, where children take on challenges independently, helping them build problem-solving skills, responsibility, and self-confidence.
During her talk, Skenazy will delve into how these ideas can be integrated into both home and educational settings such as Strelitz International Academy. SIA is particularly excited to have her speak, as the school recently partnered with the Let Grow movement in its efforts to foster a culture of independence among the Primary Years (PY) students.
All community members, parents, and educators are invited to attend this event. It promises to be a thought-provoking discussion, filled with practical advice and a new perspective on raising confident, capable kids.
Ally St. Pierre is the admissions and marketing manager for Strelitz International Academy.
