Lenore Skenazy

Lenore Skenazy is an American journalist, author, and advocate for childhood independence best known for her controversial 2008 decision to let her nine-year-old son ride the New York City subway alone. This act earned her the nickname "America's Worst Mom" and sparked a national conversation about parenting and child safety. She is the author of "Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry)" and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement, which promotes rational, evidence-based parenting over fear-driven overprotection. Skenazy also serves as president of Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence.