Free to Fly

“Parents everywhere are struggling with decisions around tech, including me. Fortunately, we have passionate experts like Nicole Runyon to guide us. This is why Nicole was one of the first people I reached out to when launching the Scrolling 2 Death podcast. Free to Fly is an important guide in a societal shift from ‘the anxious generation’ to a generation of strong, independent and healthy kids.”

—Nicki Reisberg, Founder and Host of Scrolling 2 Death Podcast

“Free to Fly comes out swinging at a culture overflowing with diagnoses. Its surprises will open many minds—and many childhoods.” 

—Lenore Skenazy, Author of Free-Range Kids

“Nicole Runyon offers practical advice and heartfelt encouragement to help parents raise confident, independent kids. Free to Fly is a relatable and inspiring guide for today’s families.”

—Hannah Oertel, Founder of Delay Smartphones

“A compelling book that explains why so many kids are failing to thrive—and what parents can do about it. Nicole Runyon writes with compassion, urging parents to show up for their kids. She gives them permission to say no, which just might be the most important thing they’ll ever hear.”

—Katherine Johnson Martinko, Author of Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance and The Analog Family Substack Newsletter

“Every parent-to-be, parent, and educator must read this book—now! Too many children today are struggling with poor mental health because adults have failed to teach them how to develop age-appropriate courage, independence, and resilience—both physically and mentally. Instead, many children are in therapy, where they’re often labeled, encouraged to blame others for their feelings, and prescribed medications to numb their discomfort. We’ve never lived in a more complex society, which includes—but isn't limited to—overwhelming tech immersion and nutrient-deficient diets, so children today face unique challenges. If future generations are going to thrive, adults must step up and provide the guidance and support children need to develop healthy, resilient brains. Thankfully, this experienced and wise therapist (and now author) has created a simple, evidence-based road map to help adults prepare children to thrive!”

—Delia McCabe, PhD, Former Psychologist-turned-Neuroscientist

“Any parent who is searching for answers needs to read Free to Fly by Nicole Runyon. After twenty-one years of working with families she has learned what we need to raise healthy kids. She shares her personal story of what has happened to our culture and how it’s not too late to change things. When we think of how much technology has impacted the mental health of our kids, then we need to look for solutions. These solutions are in this book. What’s more important to the life of your children than investing in this information? I only wish I’d had this book when I was raising my own kids fifteen years ago.”

—Leslie Weirich, Mental Health Speaker, Author of The Gifts of Grief: How Four Decades of Loss Shaped My Life

“This book is an absolute treasure and is crucial for this generation and those to follow. There is simply nothing else out there as informative, current, and accessible. I am eager to get Free to Fly into the hands of all the parents and teens I work with.”

—Miriam Mandel, MD, Pediatrician and Teen Coach

“Parents everywhere are struggling with decisions around tech, including me. Fortunately, we have passionate experts like Nicole Runyon to guide us. This is why Nicole was one of the first people I reached out to when launching the Scrolling 2 Death podcast. Free to Fly is an important guide in a societal shift from ‘the anxious generation’ to a generation of strong, independent and healthy kids.”

—Nicki Reisberg, Founder and Host of Scrolling 2 Death Podcast

“Free to Fly comes out swinging at a culture overflowing with diagnoses. Its surprises will open many minds—and many childhoods.” 

—Lenore Skenazy, Author of Free-Range Kids

“Nicole Runyon offers practical advice and heartfelt encouragement to help parents raise confident, independent kids. Free to Fly is a relatable and inspiring guide for today’s families.”

—Hannah Oertel, Founder of Delay Smartphones

“A compelling book that explains why so many kids are failing to thrive—and what parents can do about it. Nicole Runyon writes with compassion, urging parents to show up for their kids. She gives them permission to say no, which just might be the most important thing they’ll ever hear.”

—Katherine Johnson Martinko, Author of Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance and The Analog Family Substack Newsletter

“Every parent-to-be, parent, and educator must read this book—now! Too many children today are struggling with poor mental health because adults have failed to teach them how to develop age-appropriate courage, independence, and resilience—both physically and mentally. Instead, many children are in therapy, where they’re often labeled, encouraged to blame others for their feelings, and prescribed medications to numb their discomfort. We’ve never lived in a more complex society, which includes—but isn't limited to—overwhelming tech immersion and nutrient-deficient diets, so children today face unique challenges. If future generations are going to thrive, adults must step up and provide the guidance and support children need to develop healthy, resilient brains. Thankfully, this experienced and wise therapist (and now author) has created a simple, evidence-based road map to help adults prepare children to thrive!”

—Delia McCabe, PhD, Former Psychologist-turned-Neuroscientist

“Any parent who is searching for answers needs to read Free to Fly by Nicole Runyon. After twenty-one years of working with families she has learned what we need to raise healthy kids. She shares her personal story of what has happened to our culture and how it’s not too late to change things. When we think of how much technology has impacted the mental health of our kids, then we need to look for solutions. These solutions are in this book. What’s more important to the life of your children than investing in this information? I only wish I’d had this book when I was raising my own kids fifteen years ago.”

—Leslie Weirich, Mental Health Speaker, Author of The Gifts of Grief: How Four Decades of Loss Shaped My Life

“This book is an absolute treasure and is crucial for this generation and those to follow. There is simply nothing else out there as informative, current, and accessible. I am eager to get Free to Fly into the hands of all the parents and teens I work with.”

—Miriam Mandel, MD, Pediatrician and Teen Coach