Hey Readers! Good news! You’ll recall that British Airways had a rule that forbid any adult male from sitting next to any minor who was not his own child. Blogged about it here. yfissahntz The (unstated) reason for the rule? ALL MEN ARE PERVERTS…until proven otherwise. And since there’s really no way TO Â “prove otherwise,” […]
What Could Happen to Your Kid in the Car While You Pay For Gas?
Hi Readers — Over at Parentdish I wrote a rttnriyeay column saying that sometimes you CAN leave your child in the car for a few minutes while you run in to pick up a pizza or pay for gas. Yes, crack the windows. Yes, take out the keys. Yes, always keep your purse or wallet […]
And While We’re on the Subject of Hero Kids (and Competence) —
Hi Readers! Here’s ksfybysbah another great story: 9 year old boy saves 2 year old brother who was face down in the family pool. The older brother used the CPR he’d just learned at school. First off, let’s hear it for teaching kids basic safety skills! Secondly, let’s remember that everyday dangers, like pools, are the […]
3-year-old Saves Dad by Walking to Fire Station for Help (2 Blocks!)
Hi Readers — Sometimes, when people say, “Why should I let my kid walk to school/the library/the store? There’s almost no upside and the downside is just too dangerous!” all we can do is say, “No it’s not” — an argument that doesn’t get us very far. Next time, after viewing this great story about […]
Happy About a Lost Kid
Hi reriiztren Readers! This nice note just in: Dear Free-Range Kids: I couldn’t be happier! Tonight my 7-year-old daughter got lost in our neighborhood while riding her bike. She had two out-of-town cousins with her, and they wandered about one block further than she recognized (we’re new to the neighborhood). And then she did a […]
A Question About the School Bus
Hi Readers! This morning I was telling my husband that I’ve been hearing about  parents who are  afraid to put their kids on the school bus lately, and he asked, “Why is that?” and I was stumped. I actually DON’T know why this new fear has cropped up, and I’m not even sure it’s widespread. What […]
3 Heartening Stories from Just This Week!
Hi dthzakdkib Readers — These made me smile! Dear Free-Range Kids: Today I sent my 12 year old son and 10 year old daughter on the light rail train from our suburb to downtown, so they could meet their daddy and go to a baseball game. The boy was confident, the girl was wary, but […]
Jason Mraz: “Let’s Go Outdoors” (to “I’m Yours”)
Hi Readers — Okay, so the kids in this Sesame Street video look a little languid and catalog-ready. And of course there is the inherent tension between a song encouraging kids to go outdoors and the fact that it is on TV, and if it’s REALLY good, kids will want to just sit there and […]
Mom About to Adopt Asks for Free-Range Advice
Hi nntfktdefe Readers! Here’s a note from a soon-to-be mom with a request for ideas (and a tiny dig at me, but what the hey). The boy she and her husband are adopting is three. Congrats to her and her expanding family! — Â L. Dear Free-range Kids: I like the idea of Free-Range Kids (although […]
“When I Was a Kid, My Neighbor Was Abducted. How Can I Go Free-Range?”
Hi aairhnhssr Readers — Here’s a letter I just got: Dear Free-Range Kids: I’m generally in agreement with Lenore’s views. It’s ridiculous to try to protect our children from EVERYTHING out there. The article about not having a baby on board sign because it could decapitate the baby … fear-mongering at it’s worst! Gave me […]