What if our cities were designed with children participating in the process? What they would prioritize might surprise us all! My guest, Mara Mintzer, did a TEDx talk on the topic of including children in the city planning process, and she’s been involved in this kind of unique child-friendly endeavor in Boulder, Colorado, as the co-founder and Executive Director of Growing Up Boulder. Join us as we take a look at this topic!

Show Highlights:

• Mara’s background and current role in Boulder, CO
• Public spaces aren’t often designed for children (and mothers).
• The United Nations guidelines for human rights for those under 18 years of age
• Wisdom from the tiniest voices about slowing down, enjoying the world around us, and noticing our experiences on life’s journey
• The Nature Everywhere Initiative in cities across the US
• Are we supporting kids’ development with our public spaces?
• The value in having culturally relevant third spaces for kids
• What would a teen-friendly park look like?
• Hearing the voices of many diverse groups that have been traditionally excluded
• Feedback from people about what they want in their communities
• Promoting involvement from kids to understand their issues and craft workable solutions
• A few unexpected things that kids want in their spaces
• The dilemma for parents in kid-friendly restaurants with “adult food” AND “kid food”
• More relaxed parenting in other countries and better work-life balance
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Resources and Links:

Connect with Mara Mintzer: Growing Up Boulder

Mentioned in this episode: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning

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