A mother who experienced heavy backlash for allowing her nine-year-old son to ride the New York City subway alone believes parents’ anxiety is preventing kids from building self-confidence by doing things on their own.

Lenore Skenazy, the author of Free Range Children and host of the show Bubble Wrap Kids, became known as the “world’s worst mother” after she made the decision to let her child navigate the NYC transit system alone back in 2008—a decision she wrote about in a newspaper column, which sparked a frenzy.

“I do believe in safety. I believe in helmets, car seats and seat belts. I just don’t believe our kids need a security detail every time they go outside,” she said.

“I feel there’s a lot of hovering over children that’s excessive.”

Skenazy stopped by Breakfast Television Wednesday. Watch the attached video for her tips on how to relax when it comes to your kids safety.