The ‘Let Grow’ campaign encourages kids to be independent,
​and offers parents information on how to do so.
Did you recently have an a-ha moment because your child did something new on their own?
​Did they wash the dishes, pour milk in their cereal, or clean up their room without being asked? 
Here are a few examples: 
  • Set up the table for a meal
  • Sweep or vacuum
  • Water the plants
  • Make the bed
  • Write a letter or thank you card
  • Make a balanced meal
In the last several months, parents have been challenged to take on even more roles simultaneously than ever before. They have been tutors, cooks, nurses, caregivers, and so much more. Within that, many have been able to empower their children to take on some new tasks of their own - and that's a good thing. Let Grow is creating a new path for parents, schools, and America itself -- a path back to letting kids have some adventures, develop more independence, and grow resilience. Borough President James Oddo, Staten Island Parent and Let Grow are working together to help parents understand how to forge a path to independence for their children that is reasonable and safe.
​"Watching your kids grow into independent young adults has to be one of the greatest joys a parent can experience," noted Borough President James Oddo.  "Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen kids rise to a myriad of challenges as their parents navigate working from home, teaching and running the household. Let Grow celebrates these wins and paves the way for more of the same. I'm excited to share this concept with Staten Island parents."
The key take-aways of Let Grow are:
  • Kids aren't fragile, they are "anti-fragile"--built not just to withstand some challenges,
    ​but to grow stronger once they do.
  • Doing a little less for our kids is not negligent or lazy. It is a vote of confidence in them.
  • The world is not more dangerous today than in decades past.
"People sometimes ask how I can make parents or kids less anxious, more confident. My answer? I can't. The only thing that can change parents -- thrill them, uplift them -- is their own kid,” said Lenore Skenazy, President of Let Grow and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement. “Seeing your kid succeed at something new -- running an errand, climbing a tree, making a meal -- is such a fantastic feeling, it replaces the old worries with sheer joy: Look at my kid! Look how they're blossoming! The Let Grow Project just gives parents and kids that little push to make that happy moment happen."
"SI Parent is happy to partner with Let Grow. This is an outstanding initiative to help parents reinforce and celebrate kids' milestones and foster independence," said David Miller, CEO of Davler Media Group and publisher of Davler Media-Parents, which includes Staten Island Parent.
Parents can join the challenge until March 17 by tagging us in a photo of your child with @SIParent, @StatenislandUSA, and #LetGrowSI.
​SI Parent will host an informative webcast on the principles of Let Grow and how you, as a parent, can implement them in your home and empower your children and maybe make your life a little easier.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SIParent
Join us March 3 at 12:30 on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/SIParent for an informational chat with Lenore Skenazy of Let Grow, who will be talking about celebrating your child's milestones and empowering them toward independence.
The program is sponsored by Borough President James Oddo, Let Grow, Staten Island Parent and Applebee's. Families who participate in the Let Grow Project will also be entered to win a $100 Applebee's gift card!
​If parents are unable to make the live event, the session will be available on our YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/user/SIUSABP.