Although free-range parenting has gotten a lot of press in the last decade, the concept of giving kids the leeway to go out into the world and learn from their mistakes is actually a very old one. Even so, it’s often hard for parents to get over the fear of giving their kids more independence and figuring out the appropriate balance of freedom versus safety.

The latest episode of “The Parent Pep Talk” explores the concept of free-range parenting and giving our kids the freedom to take chances while protecting them from harm. In the podcast, Gary Karton speaks with guest Lynne Ticknor about how kids benefit from independence, why giving kids that freedom is easier said than done and why doing nothing as a parent can sometimes mean everything to our kids.

Lynne Ticknor is the education director at the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) in Kensington, Maryland. She is a certified parent educator and has been teaching parenting classes since 2006. Lynne has also written for national parenting publications, including Scholastic Parent & Child, Parenting, Parents, Family Fun and ADDitude, in addition to dozens of regional magazines.

Also in the podcast, a panel of kids talks about the pride of earning their parents’ trust, and one dad shares the exact moment he realized he was being too protective. Plus, the Safe Kids Tip of the Week gives your kids freedom and also keeps them safe.