Let It Go

When I saw the headline “This Simple Fix Can Help Anxious Kids” in the New York Times this weekend, I have to admit I grimaced.

I don’t really believe in “simple fixes.” Kids are complicated, and attempts to boil down parenting to its simplest form often lead to black-or-white thinking that doesn’t work with any real-life child.

Then I read the article and quickly realized I was wrong. This “simple fix” was a solid one, with new evidence backing it up.

The Let Grow project is advocating something we’ve known for a long time: if we want to build confident kids, we have to let them do more things on their own.

But what—and how? 

Read on because Sue and I have some ideas for you!

Warmly,
Fish Stark
Head of Program

🌱 3 Tips for “Letting Grow”

1. 💬 Ask: “What cool things would you like to do on your own?”

2. 📃 More is better: Build a big list and choose from it daily.

3. 🏡 Find safe ways for them to explore the neighborhood by themselves.

Read on for more about how to help your kid take bigger, bolder steps towards independence…

CONTINUE READING 👉

🔗 Legendary Links

• How (and why) to be OK with having your own style 
  (From Legends Insider parent Tamara F)

• A strategy for helping kids persevere - that’s actually fun
  (From our TikTok full of confidence-building tips)

• Our CEO Sonny’s journey with his family to live, work, and learn outside of their comfort zone
  (Follow along on Instagram!)

• This mom’s ground rules for starting a new school year

🧺 What All Kids Should Be Able to Do Before College

I occasionally get asked “What are things my kid should know how to do before they go to college?” After all, as Duke’s Dean of Students, I’ve seen many students who are bright and motivated but have incredible trouble navigating the basics of living on their own.

All of these are things you can work on with your elementary-school kid, right now! The earlier they learn it, the better it will stick.

1. ✉️ Address an envelope

2. 👚 Do your laundry

Read on for all 5 👉