LENORE SKENAZY

New York, New York

Lenore Skenazy is a Columnist for the Sun.

Ms. Skenazy is president of Let Grow, a contributing writer at Reason.com, and author of “Has the World Gone Skenazy?”

Latest Articles

Children at a playground. — Cottonbro studios via Pexels.com

A Virginia Mom Is Found ‘Guilty’ of Letting Her Son Walk Outside

Pretending that a decent, loving mother did something wrong is no way to make children safer.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Sep 4, 2026|

Opinion

Helen Keller in 1909. — Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons

Today’s Helicopter Parents Are No Longer Expecting Competence

Contemporary culture eviscerates the belief that children can do anything without constant supervision.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Aug 22, 2026|

Opinion

Should police be summoned when a child is alone outside? — Via Pexels.com

Child Outside? Call the Cops

Wouldn’t it be better if the 911 callers simply watched to see if the child was okay?

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Aug 7, 2026|

Opinion

Nonverbal autistic children are finding a way to communicate. — EF Volart/Getty Images

A Communications Breakthrough for Autistic Children

‘My life completely changed in that moment,’ a mother says, after nonverbal son is taught a way to convey his thoughts.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Jul 17, 2026|

Opinion

On America's 250th birthday, restrictions on childhood independence need a fresh look. — Tim Oliveira via Pexels.com

On America’s 250th, a Declaration of Childhood Independence

To secure these rights adults must step back so tots step up, as must the government.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Jul 3, 2026|

Opinion

Must America's children live on quinoa alone? — Via Pexels.com

Obsession With Nutritional Correctness Risks Turning American Tots Into ‘Orthorexics’

A malted milk ball is not a crime against humanity, and a little roll of fat on a child fails to prove he or his parents have failed.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Jun 26, 2026|

Opinion

The New York Knicks' center Karl-Anthony Towns, right, hugs center Mitchell Robinson after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, June 13, 2026, at San Antonio. — AP/Darren Abate

The Next Knicks

Bruns Upon a Time, and other prospective team names out for which to watch.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Jun 19, 2026|

Opinion

Using a mobile phone to access social media. — Photo illustration by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

How Parents Can Replace the Doom Loop That Stifles Autonomy for Children

The problem is a culture that has convinced many that children need constant supervision and assistance.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Jun 14, 2026|

Opinion

Vertex Partnership Academies at the Bronx, New York. — Via Wikimedia Commons

Social Mobility 101

A day at the Bronx with Vertex Partnership Academies is full of surprises.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Jun 3, 2026|

Opinion

Legislation is proposed in Congress to promote more independent outdoor free time for children. — Via Pexels.com

Congress Will Weigh an Overdue Declaration of ‘Childhood Independence’

Lawmakers propose a measure asserting that letting tots play outside unsupervised is not only legal, but great for them.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|May 18, 2026|

Opinion

Crisis of Child Mental Health Traced to Lack of Autonomy

Scholar traces decline in children’s free time and free play since the 1970s.

By LENORE SKENAZY

|May 1, 2026|

Opinion

Students cheer during Harvard University's commencement ceremonies, May 29, 2025. — AP/Charles Krupa

College Graduates Can Write Their Own Ticket — and Even Their Own Commencement Address

Graduation oratory à la ‘Mad Libs.’

By LENORE SKENAZY

|Apr 17, 2026|

Opinion