“Childhood today is full of stuff that kids have to accomplish,” we’re told in a new trailer for “Chasing Childhood.” Directed by Margaret Munzer Loeb and Eden Wurmfeld, the documentary examines over-parenting in the U.S. and its cost on kids. “They’re pushing us to, like, be the best we can,” one of the kids in the trailer observes.
With constant supervision and a laundry list of classes and clubs, many kids have very little freedom to simply play — or do anything else. “I don’t have time to sit. I don’t have time to think,” a teen explains.
“Chasing Childhood” explores how we are “negating childhood.” Despite crime being the “lowest it’s been for decades,” many parents’ fears are stopping them from letting their kids be independent and go outside on their own. “All the worry in the world doesn’t prevent death — it prevents life,” an interviewee emphasizes.
“Chasing Childhood” is screening at DOC NYC, which is taking place online from November 11-19. The film marks Loeb and Wurmfeld’s directorial debuts.
