Let Grow Play Club

Let Grow is a US-based non-profit leading the childhood independence movement, founded by Lenore Skenazy, Jonathan Haidt (author of "The Anxious Generation"), Peter Gray (author of "Free to Learn") and Daniel Shuchman, former chairman of FIRE. The organisation provides research-backed programmes that help parents, educators, and communities build children's resilience and resourcefulness.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play benefits "cannot really be overstated in terms of mitigating stress, improving academic skills and helping to build the safe, stable and nurturing relationships that buffer against toxic stress and build social-emotional resilience."

The programme addresses how high-stakes testing has reduced school recess time whilst fear keeps children indoors during free time. Many children now spend out-of-school hours in adult-directed activities rather than developing independence through unstructured play.

Kevin Stinehart, an elementary school teacher in South Carolina, notes: "Many kids don't get the social interaction they need to develop into empowered adults. Play Club is an intentional way for us to provide that for our students."

The initiative includes Kid Pledges and Parent Pledges that establish clear boundaries, helping children understand they must resolve disagreements independently whilst giving parents confidence to step back. Visit Let Grow's website (https://letgrow.org/) for additional resources and research supporting childhood independence.