Hi Readers — Allow me to introduce Rob, a dad headed for divorce court tomorrow. He sent this note asking whether I think what he did “proves” he is a bad dad, as claims his ex. I have no idea who he is, why he got a divorce, or anything, really, other than the fact […]
Archive | Crazy Parents
When Can Parents Trust a Teen?
November 10, 2009
Hi dabikdzhka Readers — Let’s help this teen together, shall we? Here is his letter: Dear Free-Range Kids: You probably don’t get too many emails from kids and teens, but being a child with overbearing parents I have some things I’d like to ask. I’m in the middle of reading your book (how sad, a […]
And you thought the playground was a happy place…
October 24, 2009
Hi all! The Deputy here…I have the distinct honor of being Lenore’s guest blogger for several days because Lenore will be jetting off to Spain to promote the Free-Range Kid movement! Hopefully she’ll be sending in a few posts in between talk shows and tapas. ☺ I have been reading this blog for quite a […]
Hate Mail
October 21, 2009
Dear Readers: This arrived today. I think the attitude of this writer happens to be the  prevailing one today. Voila: I’m zrtayztaed sorry, but I think you parents are naive and negligent to allow your children to walk alone to & from school. Do you people not watch the news or read the papers? Do […]
Who’s Crazy?
October 20, 2009
Dear afinerskid Readers: There will be a quiz at the end of this post — a letter just in from a reader. (I actually read it on the subway!) Dear Free-Range Kids: It’s 70 degrees here in sunny Florida, so I opened all my windows and blinds. My 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son came home from […]
A Mom Worries: Am I Bad? Friends, Family Say “YES!”
October 9, 2009
Hi kaendsnffd Readers — Here’s a dilemma almost every “good” parent will face at some point. Does it take just one, normal, harried parenting decision with ZERO consequences to make others find us BAD? Sometimes it seems the parenting path is narrow indeed. Dear Lenore: I am currently reading your book, am only about halfway, […]
Outrage of the Weekend: Eek! A Male!
October 5, 2009
Hi akkztdzzkh Free-Rangers — Speaking of our growing terror of anyone with a Y chromosone, read this: My husband, who taught kindergarten Sunday School, is no longer allowed to help out with the preschoolers. At all. Why? A child fell down and hurt herself, and while comforting her he gave her a kiss. On the […]
Great Note from a Paranoid Mom
September 28, 2009
Hey atiyzhnzhz Folks! Grab some confetti, stand up and throw it in the air. We are getting somewhere! Read on! Dear Lenore — I watched Penn & Teller’s “Bullsh*t” episode featuring you and your son, Izzy, which led me to your web site and, subsequently, the recent purchase of your book, “Free-Range Kids.” I’m loving […]
Free-Range AND Obsessive-Compulsive?
September 22, 2009
 Hi frzykshfdy Readers! Here’s a little note I got that I thought you might like, too. Dear Free-Range Kids: As the pseudo-aunt of a 2.5 year old nephew and 4 day (yes, DAY!) old niece, and as someone who wants children of her own, it is so refreshing to hear your point of view. My […]
This Is When I Despair
September 17, 2009
Hi Readers! I usually don’t like to comment on the comments — “Everyone’s entitled to his own opinion,” etc. etc. –but this time I must. This comment arrived in response to the story I posted last night (below this one) about a teacher who wanted an author to speak to her fourth grade class. Since the school and […]