Posted on May 24th, 2013 by lskenazy
Hi Readers — I give you today’s “Ask Amy” column titled, “Kids, Like Chicken, Should Be Free-Range.” THANK YOU, AMY! Read her sage advice and then take the Free-Range Kids Challenge of the Weekend: Dear Amy:My wife and I think it might be a good idea to let our 10-year-old son explore the city in which we [...]
Filed under: GOOD News, Helicopter Effect on Kids, Miscellaneous, Zingers and retorts | 28 Comments »
Posted on May 20th, 2013 by lskenazy
Hey Readers — The American Studies major in me can’t get enough of the way language changes with the culture. At my lectures (book me!) I always point out what someone once noted right here: “Arrival” and “dismissal” at school have morphed into “drop-off” and “pick-up.” Inherent in those new terms is the idea that an [...]
Filed under: Helicopter Effect on Kids, Miscellaneous, Other Places Other Eras | 62 Comments »
Posted on April 29th, 2013 by lskenazy
Hi Folks! My last two posts were about the 10-year-old boy not allowed to bring his pen knife on a nature trip as well as the ridiculous rules for adopting a pet that now sometimes include things like, “Pet needs one parent home at all times,” and, “Cat cannot be kept as a mouser in a barn.” [...]
Filed under: Helicopter Effect on Kids, Infantilizing young folk, Miscellaneous, School and Zero Tolerance and Bullies, Uber Safety | 42 Comments »
Posted on April 21st, 2013 by lskenazy
Readers: This comes to us from a Pennsylvania boy’s dad, who tells us it’s not a joke — it’s the sign right before you go out to the playground at his son’s after-care program at an elementary schoolI think the kids were insructed to write down the rules. Sure sounds fun! – L
Filed under: Helicopter Effect on Kids, Miscellaneous, Parks, Playing and Playgrounds | 58 Comments »
Posted on April 19th, 2013 by lskenazy
Readers — This is one of the most reflective, honest things I’ve ever read about parenting and marriage. It comes to us from Kristina Beth, in Utah. – L. Dear Free-Range Kids: This is my first time saying anything on this website, but I’ve often heard about this blog from my coworker. In the beginning, [...]
Filed under: Helicopter Effect on Kids, Infantilizing young folk, Miscellaneous | 90 Comments »
Posted on April 11th, 2013 by lskenazy
Hi Folks! This oped of mine recently appeared in the Wall Street Journal. Afterwards, I heard from guess who? Hint: She’s Chief Operating Officer of a very popular social network — and a Free-Range Kids fan! Here’s to spreading the “Kids are not in constant danger” message…perhaps via social media? – L LEAN IN AND [...]
Filed under: Crazy Parents, Helicopter Effect on Kids, Infantilizing young folk, Marketing Madness and Gadgets, Media Madness, Miscellaneous | 157 Comments »
Posted on April 3rd, 2013 by lskenazy
Readers — This is the continuing story of the 6-year-old detained by the cops for walking outside. It is disturbing and distressing. The family needs pro bono legal help. If any of you are lawyers or know someone who can help, please let me know and I will forward the info to the family. Remember: [...]
Filed under: Bad Laws, Rules and Verdicts, Child Protective Services, Helicopter Effect on Kids, Infantilizing young folk, Miscellaneous, Walk to School / Stay Home Alone / Wait in Car | 401 Comments »
Posted on April 2nd, 2013 by lskenazy
Readers — As many of you know, when I’m not busy posting, I am often off to give a keynote. It’s how I make my living. (Not by blogging? No. Not by blogging.) I’ve spoken everywhere from Microsoft, to the Sydney Opera House, to the Yale Child Study Center (twice!). In the next two months [...]
Filed under: GOOD News, Helicopter Effect on Kids, Infantilizing young folk, Marketing Madness and Gadgets, Miscellaneous, Zingers and retorts | 12 Comments »
Posted on March 27th, 2013 by lskenazy
Hi Readers! Have you noticed that study abroad programs are becoming very common at college? (Is this as obvious as saying, “Have you noticed kids spend a lot of time on Facebook?” If so, sorry. It’s just a jumping off point.) Anyway, while traveling strikes me as great — we can all use some perspective! [...]
Filed under: Helicopter Effect on Kids, Infantilizing young folk, Miscellaneous, Other Places Other Eras | 58 Comments »
Posted on March 26th, 2013 by lskenazy
Hi Readers — I love and agree with the post below so much. It comes to us from the blog Life as an Adverb by the gal whose last name IS one: Bonnie Overly. – L. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE GOAL (AND TAKE THEM OFF YOUR KIDS ONCE IN A WHILE) by Bonnie Overly [...]
Filed under: Crazy Parents, Guest Post, Helicopter Effect on Kids, Miscellaneous | 126 Comments »
