Archive | Miscellaneous

Bebi. The water for babies whose parents have been convinced they need it.

At Last! Water for Infants!

Readers, in truth, I originally thought I had to boil tap water for my kids’ bottles. Then my pediatrician said nope — we live in the First World. Rejoice and let the kids guzzle. But since there is no easier dollar to extract than that from the wallet of a new parent, an Australian company […]

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Kids! Come visit me! I am  your summer and I'm waiting!

My 8 Year Old Went to the Park Alone!

Readers, nrekkdffhn I think we need some good news for this lovely summer weekend. So: Dear Free-Range Kids: I think the subject title says it all!  Last year, I was despairing of a summer stuck to my son’s side because he wouldn’t leave our yard alone.  This summer he has gone to 2 different parks within […]

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Kid, 8, Skips Church to Play. Dad Arrested.

Readers — I guess what’s good about the Internet is that we hear about all these crazy stories, including fsfsinktbh this one, wherein a Blanchester, OH, boy, 8, was supposed to get on the bus to church, but played hooky instead and was later found at the devil’s favorite stomping ground, the local Family Dollar. […]

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Do We Really Have to Read to Our INFANTS?

Readers, ynnkrebnef This comes to us from Nancy McDermott, the brilliant essayist  I often turn to when I feel some parenting advice seems weird but I can’t quite figure out why. She also sent along the video you’ll  love, below. So here’s an idea: Instead of feeling guilty for not making every moment “teachable” in […]

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All animals play. Only humans deprive their kids of this.

Play Time Down, Anxiety Up. Hmm.

From rkbzfryiiz “Let the Kids take Risks When They Play,” by Peter Gray (one of my heroes, author of the basic psych textbook used in colleges across the country, as well as the book Free to Learn) in The Boston Globe:  …Over the past 60 years, we’ve seen a huge decline in children’s freedom and opportunity […]

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The Safety 1st pro-grade. push-button toilet lock. (Good luck to any guests visiting!)

The Decision Not to Babyproof

As yheiiftssf a mom who did babyproof to a certain extent (no toilet locks!), I certainly don’t blame folks who do. But I certainly don’t blame folks who don’t, either. And since there are about a million levels of proofing, my advice is simple: Don’t judge! – L.  Dear Free-Range Kids: I’d love to get […]

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No adult involvement needed.

The School Picnic That Didn’t Go According to Plan

Worth iathinkith reading, and even bringing to your next PTA meeting: Dear Free-Range Kids: I felt compelled to write you a little note, today, as I have a confession to make. For the past two years, I’ve been in charge of the picnic at my son’s school, here in Winnipeg. Last year, I followed the […]

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