Happy Monday,

And welcome to all of those who joined us over the weekend, it’s great to have you here. Anyone have any highlights from the past few days? For me the standout was meeting our new friend, Autumn, on Saturday. She’s just over a week old at this point and as you can imagine, still tinyyy. Though it was not that long ago, it’s hard to picture my daughter being that small at this point. As the saying goes, they grow up too fast, so I’m making sure that I spend as much time committing all of these memories to my mental vault as possible.

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One Big Idea

A Simple Fix To Help Anxious Kids

In the past few decades, a shift has occurred in the way children are raised. Gone are the days when kids would freely roam their neighborhoods, climb trees, and return home only when the streetlights came on. Today, children's lives are often thoughtfully curated, with every moment accounted for in organized activities or under the watchful eyes of adults. This overprotection, while rooted in good intentions, may be contributing to a significant rise in anxiety among children. The surgeon general has even labeled this surge in anxiety as "the crisis of our time." The question arises: Could the simple act of granting children more independence be the antidote to this growing problem? Research and initiatives like the Let Grow Project suggest that allowing kids to take on tasks and challenges on their own not only boosts their confidence but also combats anxiety. By experiencing the world firsthand, without the constant intervention of adults, children learn resilience, bravery, and the invaluable skill of managing challenges on their own.

Takeaway: Steps Towards Fostering Independence

1. Encourage Exploration: Start small. Allow your child to take on tasks they feel ready for but haven't tried yet. This could be as simple as letting them walk the dog or make breakfast for the family.

2. Limit Over-Supervision: While it's essential to ensure safety, try to resist the urge to hover. Give children the space to make mistakes, learn from them, and discover their capabilities. Remember, every challenge they overcome on their own is a boost to their confidence and resilience.

3. Promote the Let Grow Mindset: Schools and parents can adopt the principles of the Let Grow Project, encouraging children to take on new tasks and challenges independently. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and watch their confidence and autonomy grow.

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• George and Amal Clooney have a hack to parenting their six-year-old twins. Even though you might not live in a palace on Lake Como, it’ll work for you as well

• This DJ mom has taken her baby to over 70 of her gigs. Her method for getting her kid to fall asleep is both simple but somewhat surprising

Tip(s) of the Day

• Here are 8 unexpected ways that parents play too rough with their kids and ways to avoid injury

F**k it, here’s a dad joke

What do you call a pig who knows how to use a knife?

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!

Time(out) for Memes

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