. Because I understand that different generations have fun in different ways — I myself did not grow up whittling, for instance, nor have I ever played marbles — I solemnly swear not to say, “Can’t kids play for THREE SECONDS even on something as joyful as a TRAMPOLINE without needing a COMPUTER SCREEN to […]
Archive | Miscellaneous
Finland’s Genius Idea: More Free Time for Kids
. If you look back on your childhood and what you did in your free time, the thing that you LOVED to do just may still be part of your life. In fact, please tell us stories of that — the thread from your childhood interest or obsession to your current work (or obsession). Me, […]
Why Is That Young Man Tutoring Kids? Get Him Out!
. Demonizing anyone isn’t good — gays, Jews, blacks, you name it. And it is no less despicable when we demonize a group that has, until now, enjoyed exemption: Men. Let’s just not demonize, okay? Dear dfresfydrn Free-Range Kids: In the early 2000s, as a member of a college honors society, I volunteer tutored at the college […]
Fun, Old-Fashioned Birthday Party Ideas
. Today’s post comes to us from Sally yihbntsnhs Mills Butzin, the mother half of the mother/daughter writing team  behind Best Buddies Birthdays, a guide to homemade, low-tech b-day parties. I agree with everything Sally writes below, and yet must confess that when my kids were young we did all sorts of pricey parties, including one […]
What Happens When Happy Free-Range Kids are Also Rude and Loud?
. Here’s ibfdyrdysn a letter that had me wondering what to do, too: Dear Free-Range Kids: Curious as to how to best handle this. I have no children of my own, but I do have three dogs. My neighbors (row house neighborhood), let their three young children out to play alone, regularly. This is AWESOME. […]
Cute or Depressing?
. The girl is sooo cute. The parents are sooo worried. The message is sooo sickening: Welcome to the world, little one! Let’s get rid of that trust thing RIGHT AWAY. DISTRUST is the name of the game. Start distrusting already! Soon you may have to save yourself from a terrible man. Cookies are good […]
It’s Okay to be Different
. When I was at the US htbihhffsn Play Coalition conference at Clemson University last month, Kent Callison from the playground manufacturing company GameTime was talking about the importance of videos. He aired the one I posted here about how prisoners get two hours a day of “play” time outside, which is more than most of today’s kids […]
AGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!
. The paragraph below is from a press release about a GPS’ing service parents can subscribe to. When would you need this service? How about when your kids are — Walking dtdryzfnns to school solo.  Sure, you only live a few blocks from school, but letting your kids make the journey alone seems terrifying. Freedom […]
Forget Tackle Football, Girls! How About Apple Bobbing Instead? — Principal
A tradition for 50 years, the “powder puff” girls tackle football game in Jupiter, Florida, is being canceled for the first time thanks to—what else?—safety concerns. Dan Frank, Jupiter High School’s principal, said “Student safety is my first priority.” The girls’ short practice time and borrowed safety equipment, he said, “put our students at risk.” […]
Is the New “Uber for Women” The Direction We’re Headed: Trust No Males Over 13?
hnstttihsn . Have you heard of Chariot? I just got two letters about the new service, which is basically “Uber for Women.” The deal? No male drivers, no male passengers over 13. Both of the folks who brought it to my attention made great points: Dear Free-Range Kids: There will soon be a new alternative […]