Bezos champions early risky play, saying it builds lifelong resourcefulness

During a 2017 SummitLA panel, Jeff Bezos described how he and former wife Mackenzie Scott allowed their youngsters to use knives at age four and power tools by their early teens, believing that such experiences nurture resourcefulness. He traced the habit to his own upbringing on his grandfather’s remote ranch, where he helped repair machinery and build structures. Bezos contrasted this approach with “helicopter” parenting, citing studies that link moderate risk-taking to better physical health, social skills, and mental resilience.

University of British Columbia pediatrician Mariana Brussoni emphasized the need for children to set their own risk limits, while one outlet's report warned that over-parenting can increase later mental-health issues. The billionaire concluded that his children have so far avoided serious injury, reinforcing his view that a little hands-off guidance can foster self-efficacy.