 Hi rthbrdhfdt Folks! This guest post is by Laura Vanderkam, author of All the Money in the World:What the Happiest People Know About Getting and Spending, out today from Portfolio! You Can’t Helicopter-Parent Three Kids by Laura Vanderkam Having a baby changes everything. Having three in four and a half years? While that was common in […]
Hi aiaetfhrry Folks — I can see myself being just as hamstrung as this mom, who describes herself as a married mother of four who lives on five acres near Harrisonburg, VA, where she homeschools the kids, gardens, bakes, blogs, and reads. On the one hand: childhood independence! On the other hand…yiiiiiiiikes! — L. Dear Free-Range […]
Hi abnhisrknf Readers — Here’s lovely news! Remember that third grader who was showing off his pocket knife after school and ended up EXPELLED? We ran the story on Feb. 17, asking for help and media coverage. Got both — and JUSTICE! It started here, so thank you, readers (and 141 commenters)!! Let’s hear it for […]
Hi fairhdffte Folks! As I finish up my last few days of vacation (Mexico!), here’s a letter to chew on. — L. Dear Free Range Kids:Â My son started school a few weeks ago and has already made a new friend. The boys want to have a playdate and after discussion with the other child’s mother, […]
Hi banehybrtt Readers! Remember the chat we all had about the playground closed for the winter because of the protective  cushioning frozen to unprotectiveness beneath it? Here it is in all its caution-tape glory! And a note from the mom who first brought the issue to our attention. – L Dear Free-Range Kids: Is a […]
Hi titsfaabrh Folks! In a doctor’s waiting room the other day I happened to pick up one of the parenting mags and, as a sidebar to an article on sports injuries, it ran these tips: Go Ahead and Gulp Even slight dehydration decreases a child’s strength and decision-making skills on the field, which can lead […]
Hi Folks — Here’s another little story that reminds us how  Worst-First thinking has become de bbkddrtktz rigeur when it comes to kids in the company of adults: A young Teach for America teacher took a student out for a hamburger and was immediately reprimanded by the school. Yes, rules are rules, and he probably should […]
Hi krhbieksff Readers! Here we go again – officials overreacting as if this makes them smart and proactive (rather than…overreacting). L. . Dear Free-Range Kids: My daughter’s third grade friend brought his pocket knife to school on accident.  It was just in his pants’ pocket from the weekend.  An hour after school was dismissed, he […]
Hi zaynyhhyas Folks! Coming soon:Â the latest gadget EVERY parent (who is suffering from crippling anxiety that will only get worse if they buy things like this) will need! The “Exmobaby” is a onesie that monitors your baby’s vital signs. As its website says: Each and every garment in the Exmobaby line includes sensor technology that […]
Hi hezfhrbdtn Folks! Love this column, which ran in The Post-Star in Glens Falls, NY. I think you’ll see why. – L. Reading, Writing and Looming Fears by Ken Tingley The Warrensburg Central School District is saving its children from the clutches of voters. Swear to God. Its board of education voted unanimously against a county proposal […]
