REDgen Speaker Lenore Skenazy on Raising Independent Kids

University School of Milwaukee, in partnership with REDgen, hosted its first speaker series event of the year on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Lenore Skenazy, blogger, syndicated columnist, and author known for her activism in favor of free-range parenting, gave a free presentation open to USM parents and the greater Milwaukee community. 

Skenazy explored how giving young people age-appropriate independence helps build resilience, confidence, problem-solving skills, and emotional well-being. Parents, caregivers, educators, and community members gained practical insights and simple strategies to help children thrive in an increasingly complex world. Her presentation was followed by a Q&A panel discussion with USM students. USM parents can find a link to view a recording of her presentation in the School News section of the Oct. 2 issue of Tower Weekly. Archived issues of Tower Weekly are also saved on each division's parent page in the myUSM Resources section (login required).

In addition to the evening presentation on Sept. 30, Skenazy spoke during a Middle School assembly, where she invited students to reflect on something challenging that they accomplished on their own, learn the science behind how practicing independence actually rewires the brain, and consider ways they can grow increasingly independent by trying activities that draw them out of their comfort zone.

USM Head of Middle School Elaine Griffin reviewed Skenazy’s book, “Free-Range Kids” to learn how parents and educators can help kids develop important life skills through age-appropriate activities that require independence, and the review was included in the fall 2026 issue of "Independent School" magazine, published by National Association of Independent Schools.

About REDgen

REDgen is a Milwaukee-based organization which fosters active community conversations around what it means to live a healthy, balanced life with authentic success. USM and REDgen are partners in bringing national-level speakers to Milwaukee each year in a series of speaker events that are free and open to the public. More information on speakers who visited USM in previous years can be found here.