Whole Child Month Challenge

Each week in January, we’ll share simple ways to help children grow into more confident, capable, and resilient versions of themselves. This month’s theme is inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation and the “Let Grow” movement, which encourages kids to explore, problem-solve, and take age-appropriate risks in the real world.

Learn more about Whole Child Month

Why It Matters:

Today’s children often have less freedom to play, explore, and try things on their own. Research shows this shift toward more structured, supervised, and screen-based time can increase anxiety and lower confidence. Giving kids more independence helps them:

• Build problem-solving and coping skills.
• Develop confidence through experience.
• Strengthen their emotional resilience.
• Feel trusted and capable — not anxious or fragile.

Parent Tips:

• Start small. Let your child do one new thing this week that you normally help with — like walking the dog, paying at the store, or making breakfast.
• Resist the urge to “fix” or “step in” unless safety is a concern.
• Praise effort and reflection, not perfection.
• Ask open-ended questions like, “What did you figure out?” or “What part was hardest?”

This Week’s Let Grow Challenge:

Encourage your child to choose one “Mini-Mission” — a small act of independence.
Ideas include:

• Walking to a nearby friend’s house.
• Making a simple meal or snack alone.
• Doing a short errand, like mailing a letter.
• Planning their own play activity outdoors.

When they complete it, celebrate their effort and talk about what they learned

For more “Let Grow” Ideas, visit the Let Grow website. 

Family Reflection:

At the end of the week, ask your child:

• “How did it feel to do something on your own?”
• “What would you like to try next?”

Share what you noticed too — more confidence, curiosity, or maybe a little nervousness (which is normal!).