Hi Folks! It’s time for more mainstream media examining the idea that maybe our kids don’t need quite as much hovering as the mainstream media had been recommending. The segment will air sometime after 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. So if you’re not waiting in line at Toys R Us, tune in! (Or sleep in! I’m sure we’ll find a copy of it somewhere.) — Lenore
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We were gonna go snowboarding and skiing (without helmets) but I think the weather will be better on Saturday for that. Please post a link!
I just saw you on the early show and I love what you said. Thank you for bringing this message to parents (and some grandparents). You are doing a wonderful thing.
I don’t wear a helmet while skiing, but there are very good arguments for wearing them if you are in the learning snowboarding or extreme skiing ability ranges. It’s unfortunate when encouraging rational thought and appropriate decisions turns into “look what I don’t do!!!”
@Kai- I agree, people need to remember that there are rational safety precautions (wearing a helmet while propelling oneself down a snowy hill is pretty valid one).
I’ve known about free range kids, and the more general idea for a while. Today I was stringing popcorn, the 3 y/o wanted his own needle and thread. I hesitated, almost said no, but then thought “what’s the risk- he’ll poke his finger?” and gave it to him. It took me a few mental leaps to get past the “don’t give sharp objects to small children!” mental hurdle.
Guess what? He sat their stringing popcorn for a good 45 minutes, and didn’t poke himself once. The rest of us are evidently all thumbs.
I just saw you on the early show and I love what you said. Thank you for bringing this message to parents (and some grandparents). You are doing a wonderful thing.