Learn how children build confidence through independence, risk and real experiences with Morgan Chartier.

It’s natural to want to shield our children from risk. 

But that’s where growth happens.

In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Chartier to talk about the tension so many parents and educators feel between keeping children safe and allowing them to grow. We explore how independence, risk and real-world problem solving shape confident, capable learners.

Toddlers are so capable. They can wash their hands, hang their jackets up when they get to school and put toys away. Morgan stresses that we adults shouldn’t do for children what they can do for themselves.

[00:14:21] “A lot of times I feel like we as parents want to cradle them so they don't fall and hurt themselves.”

Morgan shares how climbing, navigating conflict, trying and failing build resilience over time. She urges parents to shift from “How do I keep this from happening?” to “Is this a safe risk or a true hazard?”

I share some of my thoughts, too.

[00:40:49] “Your child doesn't need to do more. They need you to do less, on purpose.”

There's something so powerful about watching a child do something the first time, and not because we taught them, but because we trusted them.

Let Them Try the Power of Toddler Independence

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