121: What if Children Designed Cities? with Mara Mintzer

Struggle Care

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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