Independence Challenge
Every year, we hold an Independence Challenge, asking kids to show us all the great things they’re doing on their own!
We know kids are capable of some pretty amazing things. When adults step back and let them do and try things on their own, the sky really is the limit. In this annual contest, we ask kids to show us all the great things they’re learning and tackling independently through photos, videos, and essays.
You can submit once for each category/ The Grand Prize Winner, selected from the kid photo and video categories, will win a $300 gift card. The Parent Story Winner wins a $100 gift card, and there are more prizes for runners-up. Plus, your photos and videos will all be displayed on the Entry Display tab.
Thanks for visiting and watch for the 2024 Annual Independence Challenge next summer!
Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Grand Prize Winner
Kuin-8, Parris-7, & Peter-4 Granger, Maryland
The Granger kids remodeled a bedroom by themselves, including laying a vinyl floor. Look out Property Brothers! They split the Grand Prize equally, with Kuin and Parris choosing Amazon gift cards to buy supplies for a business venture, and Peter choosing Home Depot so he could buy tools to share with friends on future projects!
Runner-Up, Video
Dexter Gibson-10, Colorado
Dexter discovered a great private fishing spot with a friend. He filmed this himself on a return trip. Stick with it until the end to hear his concluding wisdom about the sport, and see the film credits!
Runner-Up, photo
Teagan Carpenter & Friends-13, Florida
Lucy, Teagan, Jillian, and Ollie (l to r) arriving at the mall for an afternoon of fun without parents! What a great way to practice independence, handling themselves in public, and some financial literacy all at the same time. Teagan chose a mall gift certificate for her prize to share with the gang!
Letting Go is an Act of Bravery
Our Independence Challenge contest gives us a great opportunity to showcase childhood independence and we added a category for parents to share their stories about stepping back. After all, letting go is an act of bravery!