Lenore Skenazy warns helicopter parenting is driving childhood anxiety

August 16, 2026 - 03:03

In recent interviews, Skenazy pointed to a growing body of research showing that kids who are never allowed to face small challenges, like walking to a friend's house or figuring out a problem on their own, develop a fragile sense of self. She says that when parents swoop in to solve every minor issue, children internalize the message that they are not capable. This, she argues, leads to a cycle of anxiety and dependence that follows them into adolescence and beyond.

Skenazy is not just pointing out the problem. Her organization works with schools and communities to create "Let Grow" projects, which give kids structured opportunities to do things independently, like cooking a simple meal or running a small errand. She believes that by stepping back, parents can give their children the greatest gift: the knowledge that they can handle life's bumps. The message is simple, but for many parents, it is a hard one to hear.