Plot Synopsis

WORLD'S WORST MOM aims to diffuse parental paranoia by helping high-strung, fearful moms let go of their tightly held reins so their kids can thrive. This 13-part series follows Lenore Skenazy -- a mother of two, an author and a seasoned parenting expert -- who suffered intense public criticism in 2008 after allowing her 9-year-old son to ride the NYC subway on his own. Following a media frenzy when she was dubbed "America's Worst Mom" by international press, Lenore went on an intrepid mission to rescue overprotective parents and their bubble-wrapped kids from a strained relationship. In each half-hour episode, Lenore helps a different family loosen the reigns to let their kids reclaim their childhood, and parents regain their sanity. Lenore offers up advice, and takes each family through a series of challenges designed to push parents' boundaries, give their family more freedom, and help their kids become independent adults. From parents who won't let their kids use forks and knives, ride bikes, or even leave the backyard, to parents who monitor their kids with walkie-talkies and video cameras, Lenore tackles it all in this series. Discovery Life Channel aired the U.S. premiere of this series on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 9pm ET/PT, showing back-to-back episodes.