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Free to Fly

The Secret to Fostering Independence in the Next Generation

Published by Mission Driven Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

In Free to Fly, Nicole Runyon reveals how today’s technology is crippling our kids' development, and she offers parents a clear path to reclaim their children’s mental health, build resilience, and foster true independence in the next generation.

Every day, news headlines scream about the mental-health crisis in the United States, especially among youth. Anxiety, depression, and suicide are at record levels, and parents are desperate to seek treatment for their children. They recognize that the kids are not alright but don’t know how to help.

In two-plus decades of working as a child therapist, author Nicole Runyon, LMSW, has seen the devastating effect technology is having on today’s young people. From social media and gaming addiction to pornography and sextortion, children’s innocence and health are being demolished by their virtual realities.

In Free to Fly, Nicole will show you where we’ve gone wrong and how to get back on track, by sharing essential info such as
  • the four parts of child development, and how technology use impacts each stage
  • the ways children have become disconnected from other people, and from themselves
  • the reasons discomfort is critical to resilience, in both parents and children
  • strategies for creating boundaries around your child’s technology use
  • why therapy isn’t always the answer

Yes, technology is here to stay. But so are you! No one has greater influence on children than their parents. And this book will equip you to determine when and how technology is part of your child’s life, empowering you to make informed decisions. It’s never too late to make choices that will benefit not only your child but also your entire family.

About The Author

Nicole Runyon, LMSW, is an esteemed psychotherapist, parent coach, and keynote speaker renowned for her expertise in child and adolescent mental health, backed by an extensive 20+ year career.

Nicole’s uniqueness lies in the fact she has an uncanny ability to help adults get in the minds of today’s children and better understand them.

Her extensive knowledge of technology’s impact on mental health, child development, and the intergenerational variations in parenting has made her a highly sought-after speaker who’s captivated small and large audiences alike.

Her highly interactive talks are filled with life-altering aha-moments, paradigm shifts and hilarious personal stories that make tackling the thorny topic of parenting more fun.

A frequent guest on parenting podcasts, Nicole’s invaluable insights have earned her significant recognition, leading to appearances in the media, where she shares her expertise on the effects of technology on child and adolescent mental well-being.

Motivated by an unwavering passion for supporting children’s well-being and debunking the poor parenting advice that’s flooded our society, Nicole has dedicated her life’s work to empowering parents and educators to help children grow and mature into young adults with purpose, strength, and confidence.

Nicole resides in Michigan with her husband and 2 children.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Mission Driven Press (May 6, 2025)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781637633786

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Raves and Reviews

“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

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