New Book "Free to Fly" Tackles Solutions for Youth Mental Health Crisis and Parenting in the Digital Age

Child Psychotherapist and Parent Coach Nicole Runyon Outlines a Clear Blueprint to Understand the Effects of Digital Technology on Child Development, Offers Tangible Solutions to Empower Parents and Foster Independence and Resilience in Children

DETROIT, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Psychotherapist and parent coach Nicole Runyon (LMSW) is excited to announce the release of her first book, Free to Fly: The Secret To Fostering Independence in the Next Generation, published today by Mission Driven Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster. At a time when youth mental health diagnoses are skyrocketing, isolation is rampant, and parents are overwhelmed and desperate for answers, Free to Fly is a guide for parents in understanding the root causes of youth disconnection, the effects of digital technology on child development, and how they can support and reclaim their children's mental health.

With over 20 years of experience working with children and families, Runyon has watched the lives of young people shift rapidly. As social media and screens gave way to declining overall health for all ages, Nicole in turn saw a shift in parenting – becoming permissive and prioritizing comfortability rather than prioritizing opportunities for true growth. 42% of Generation Z have a mental health diagnosis but often get worse when they go to therapy – because they have not been empowered to trust themselves. Nicole realized it was often parents that needed help more than their children, and became a parent coach for this reason. In Free to Fly, she draws from her professional experience as well as her personal experience as a mom of two, weaving together clinical insight, real-world examples, and heartfelt encouragement to help parents better understand the emotional and mental barriers children are navigating at each stage of their growth, and how parents can best support them.

"I wrote this book after realizing through my practice that our children are the canaries in the coal mine. Rather than pathologize them and put them into the mental health system, we – parents – must look at ourselves. We are the first to parent with Big Tech's hold on our kids and need help. We have to step into our parental authority and recognize that it is okay to say 'no' when it's to our children's benefit – leading them through our own strength to become healthy, resilient, and capable adults," says Runyon.

Each section in this book walks parents through navigating tough situations and topics, the science behind what's needed for their children's development, and small but intentional parenting shifts they can make to empower themselves and their children. From the benefits of embracing discomfort and setting boundaries, to Nicole's proprietary method in understanding the four parts of child development, to recommendations on technology use and the impact of screens and social media on kids today – Free to Fly focuses on the lessons vital for parents and children in creating a nurturing, respectful, and healthy dynamic that allows both to grow, learn, and thrive.

At its core, Free to Fly is a call to action for parents to realize their power and their role in guiding their children to become independent, resilient, and ready to take on the world and confidently begin their adult lives when the time comes.

Free to Fly: The Secret To Fostering Independence in the Next Generation is available now on Amazon and online and in store at select major book retailers. For more information about the book, please click here.

ABOUT NICOLE RUNYON (LMSW)

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 22-year career in the field. 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. 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 two children.

ABOUT MISSION DRIVEN PRESS

Mission Driven Press is an innovative new imprint under the umbrella of Forefront Books. As the sister company to Brand Builders Group, Mission Driven Press redefines the publishing landscape by combining Brand Builders Group's world-class marketing, branding, and bestseller strategies with the seasoned publishing expertise of Forefront Books. This unique partnership gives authors a distinctive platform that delivers both authority and credibility. With distribution through industry leader Simon & Schuster, Mission Driven Press ensures its authors enjoy widespread market reach to booksellers and book buyers everywhere. With a commitment to empowering authors and amplifying impactful stories, Mission Driven Press leads the way in revolutionizing how mission-driven messengers and mission-driven books reach audiences worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT
Addisyn Bryant
Pace Public Relations
931-801-4901
[email protected]

SOURCE Nicole Runyon, LMSW