Just a generation ago, children walked to school on their own and played outside until dark. They argued, negotiated, lost and found their own solutions, usually without adults hovering over them.
Then things changed. Parents became more fearful, the media reported more on dangers, and the rules became stricter. Parenting turned into constant supervision, and childhood into a schedule of activities under adult eyes.
Statistically, children are safer today than ever before, yet they are also more anxious, less confident and less independent.
This is the background against which the New York-based organisation Let Grow was set up.
How it started: a child alone on the subway
It all began with one mother’s decision. In 2008 Lenore Skenazy, a New York journalist, let her nine-year-old son ride the subway home alone. She had noticed that children had less freedom than ever, even though in many ways the world had become safer. Her decision caused a storm. Many media outlets called her an irresponsible mother.
Skenazy replied that when adults remove every risk from children’s lives, children never get the chance to build courage. Let Grow was set up to put this idea into practice, especially in schools, where children spend a large part of their day.
The idea behind Let Grow
Let Grow starts from a simple premise: children grow through their own experiences.
Learning to swim shows this well. We can read our child books about swimming, watch videos with them and hold them tight in the pool. But at some point we have to let go, even a little, so they can learn to float, kick and trust their own strength.
Let Grow helps adults loosen their grip step by step, thoughtfully and together with others.
How Let Grow works
Play Club in schools
Let Grow helps schools bring back free play through Play Club. This is time when children decide for themselves:
- what to play
- who to play with
- how to resolve conflicts
Adults stay nearby and keep an eye on safety, but they don’t join in. They’re a bit like referees who rarely blow the whistle.
In this kind of play children practise leadership, managing their emotions, cooperation and problem-solving.
Let Grow Project
Pupils get a task: to do something new on their own, for example:
- walk somewhere
- run an errand
- build or plan something without adult help
Parents agree not to step in. Afterwards the children tell the class what happened. The lesson they take away is: “I can handle more than I thought.”
A school that gives permission for independence
Let Grow gives schools a clear framework and a shared language, so they can tell parents openly: “Independence is part of education.” It’s then easier for parents to trust their children, because they aren’t doing it alone.
Materials for Play Club and the Let Grow Project are available at letgrow.org.