Upzoned - When Did Letting Kids Play Outside Become a Crime?

Upzoned - When Did Letting Kids Play Outside Become a Crime?

Author: Think & Act Locally August 26, 2026 Duration: 38:34

A six-year-old rides his scooter to a playground a quarter mile from home. Two days later, Child Protective Services is at his family’s door. His case is one of several in a recent New York Times article asking whether letting children play outside alone has effectively become a crime. Chuck Marohn talks with Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Free-Range Kids movement and president of Let Grow, and planner and pedestrian-safety advocate Angie Schmitt about “worst-first thinking,” neglect laws, and the decline of walking and biking to school. Parents are expected to raise capable, independent kids while also keeping them under constant watch, while the built environment often makes even short walks to school or the playground harder for children to navigate on their own.

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The Think and Act Locally podcast explores the quiet, powerful intersections where faith meets daily life and community action. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a series of grounded conversations on how spiritual principles can directly fuel practical work in your own neighborhood. Each episode delves into the real-world application of ideas, examining how education and entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in a sense of purpose, become tools for meaningful local engagement. You'll hear from people who are quietly building, supporting, and connecting within their communities, discussing both the successes and the challenges of creating tangible, positive change. The aim is to offer thoughtful reflection and actionable insight, reminding us that the most significant shifts often begin right where we are. Tune in for a podcast dedicated to the belief that thoughtful local action is a profound expression of both spirituality and citizenship.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Think and Act Locally
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