Hi Readers — Here’s a note that made me happy, and, as it is gifting time, I figured it might inspire a few more Free-range Kids books (just $10.17!) under a tree: Dear Free-Range Kids: For or against? Definitely for! I just finished the book and wish I’d known about it sooner. Then maybe I wouldn’t have second-guessed myself so much. Such as when I let my seven year old walk home by himself from the school bus (even though my neighbors warn me repeatedly about the dangers of child snatchers who could be lurking around in our…
Author: lskenazy
Hi Readers! You know you’re making an impact when marketers start to try to make a buck off you, as did this one. A friend who runs a parenting magazine got this public relations pitch: Dear _______: There has been a lot of discussion about “free range parenting” — letting your kids wander to the park or take the subway alone to build independence. I’m wondering if you’re be interested in writing an article about how cell phone GPS locator services make it easier for parents to let go. A recent study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project…
Hi Readers! This is a story that’ll give you heart! Over in England, in Gloucester, there’s a cathedral. In this cathedral, a group of about 60 ladies volunteer as flower arrangers. They make the place beautiful. But, apparently, just by being HUMAN, they also make the place DANGEROUS. According to The Telegraph: At issue seems to have been a bizarre fear that because the women shared a toilet with choirboys, there was a risk that paedophiles could infiltrate the flower guild. A vetting system that was set up to protect children and vulnerable adults thus appears to have mown down…
Readers — Either I am not getting the joke, or this is a REAL article about why parents should REALLY worry about letting their kids watch “scary” movies like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and (I kid you not — unless she’s kidding us ALL), “Miracle on 34th Street.” Anybody? It it a joke or not? And if it IS a joke, where’s the punchline? And if it’s NOT a joke, where’s the Abombinable Snowman when you need him? — L.
Hi Readers! I wish this WAS a joke: A mama’s rant with about 100 “Amen!” comments after it, that basically makes the case for clinical paranoia. Commendably, the blogging mom believes that her child IS safe an aisle away from her at the grocery store. Stranger danger, especially in a public place, is exceedingly rare, she says. Most abuse is committed by someone the child knows pretty well. Ah — but that is why this mom has decided not to trust almost all the people her daughter knows. Or at least, their families. The post is titled, “The Safe List…
Hi Readers! If you’re wondering what would make a great gift for your kids, or some other kids you love, how about giving them back time outside, and playdates that they make on their own, and the thrill of doing something — anything! — on their own? My book, Free-Range Kids, can help. (And it’s only $10.17! CLICK HERE!) If you’re wondering what it’s like, here’s the table of contents: THE FOURTEEN FREE RANGE COMMANDMENTS 1 KNOW WHEN TO WORRY Playdates and Axe Murderers: How To Tell The Difference 2 TURN OFF THE NEWS Go Easy On The ‘Law &…
Hi Readers — I wholeheartedly endorse this note! Dear Free-Range Kids: Recently I started watching hours of “Law and Order SVU” (streaming live on Netflix for graduate students wanting to procrastinate!) and it’s really quite absurd to watch after a year of following your blog. The episodes where there is a child abduction or attempted abduction always involve some crazy sicko, and the parents are hysterical messes vowing never to let their child go anywhere alone again, etc. I have to say that, as I think about it, I cannot off the top of my head think of more the…
Hi Readers — Here you snow. er, go, from Scotland, via news.scotsman.com: CHILDREN have been banned from playing in the snow during break times at city schools due to health and safety fears. Pupils in some primaries have been kept inside during their morning and lunchtime breaks since the schools re-opened on Wednesday.The decision to stop the pupils playing in the snow has sparked criticism among parents, who believe it is “misguided” and is depriving children from enjoying the winter fun. One of the schools involved is James Gillespie’s Primary where the headteacher stopped youngsters going out on Wednesday and…
Good Morning, Readers: Wondering what to get those parents on your list? Dear Free-Range Kids: I thought you might be interested to see this. A local dentist was advertising this service. http://www.yoursafechild.com/parents-toothprintsr.html Now if your child’s body is found but so decomposed that it can’t be identified visually, you can use “toothprints” to record his/her dental records so he/she can be identified. It apparently also helps scent dogs track your child’s body to find it. This is really, really morbid. I can’t believe parents spend money on this kind of thing. The local police gave us a kit to fingerprint…
Hi Readers! Remember Santa John, the guy we were talking about here yesterday, fired for an “inappropriate” joke or two he told some ADULTS? Here’s the update, from a San Fran gal named Kathlin: I wanted to share some good news in reference to this story! It was on the news last evening that there was some real surprise and outrage in the community regarding this incident. “Santa John” has now been hired by a restaurant called “Lefty O’Douls” which is a tourist attraction right near “Macy’s”. And, get this…he has been hired at “TWICE HIS SALARY.” Apparently, he…