Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self–Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry) - Softcover

Skenazy, Lenore

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470574755 ISBN 13: 9780470574751

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2010

Synopsis

Free-Range Kids, How To Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry)

About this title

Review

Library Journal Starred Review - Skenazy flies the black flag of America's Worst Mom, a title this syndicated columnist and NPR commentator earned by allowing her nine-year-old son to ride the New York City public transit alone in 2008. Here, she puts parents? fears to bed by examining the statistical likelihood of the dangers we most fear (murder, baby-snatching, etc.). Drawing on facts, statistics, and humor, she convincingly argues that this is one of the safest periods for children in the history of the world, reiterating that mostly, the world is safe and mostly, people are good. Even the lowest-flying helicopter parents would have trouble disagreeing that we have entered an era that says you cannot trust yourself. Trust a product instead. Skenazy argues that it's time to retire the national pastime of worrying and that childhood is supposed to be about discovering the world, not being held captive. The obvious has never been so hilarious.

"Skenazy will find plenty of supporters for her contention that, in a world where the rights of chickens to roam freely are championed, it's time to liberate the kids." (The Wall Street Journal, April 24, 2009)

"Skenazy advocates for a child's right to separate gradually from a parent's assistance and to learn the joy and self-confidence that comes from trying out independence."
--Christian Century (November 2009)

"Free-Range Kids is the best kind of manifesto: smart, funny, rigorous, sane, impassioned, and bristling with common sense. If you're a parent, or planning to become one, read this book. You have nothing to lose-apart from your anxiety."
--Carl Honoré, author, In Praise of Slowness and Under Pressure

"Even scaredy-cat parents like myself now have a how-to manual on overcoming irrational suspicions and, finally, differentiating between an axe murderer and a play date!"
--David Harsanyi, syndicated columnist and author, Nanny State.

"Free-Range Kids makes the perfect baby shower gift."
--Nancy McDermott, parenting blogger, Spiked Online

"Moral insight without moralizing--how rare is that?"
--Amity Shlaes, author, The Forgotten Man

"Keep Free-Range Kids on your bedstand next to your bible and the TV remote, and refer to as needed during the 11 o'clock news."
--Jordan Lite, news reporter, Scientific American online

"Read this book--Mommy said you could."
--Penn Jillette, Penn & Teller

From the Back Cover

Critical Praise for Free-Range Kids

"Skenazy will find plenty of supporters for her contention that, in a world where the rights of chickens to roam freely are championed, it's time to liberate the kids."
--The Wall Street Journal

"A bubbly but potent corrective for the irrational fears that drive so many parents crazy."
--Robert Needlman, M.D., coauthor, Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, 8th Edition

"Lenore Skenazy is a national hero."
--Mary Roach, author, Bonk and Stiff

READERS RAVE TOO

"I read the whole thing and feel so much better! The pressure of always trying to do the exact right thing for my kids was exhausting. In truth, I have two normal, high-energy boys who need to be able to explore the world. Thank you!"

"Your book had me laughing so hard that my husband had to come and see if I was okay! (I think my gasping sounded like sobbing.)"

"Just what the doctor ordered. I'm a single mother of two girls, 7 and 10, in a middle-class suburb that is very safe. I needed the advice in your book and had a lot of belly laughs reading it."

"I didn't even realize the path I was going down until I stumbled across your book. Letting go feels great, and I can really see a difference in my son. He plays outside all the time with his group, and he loves being able to run to all of his friends' houses, alone, to see if they can play. It's a proud moment for both of us."

"I was finding myself getting paranoid. I am so happy I read your book! It has really helped me relax."

"Now if I can just get my wife to read it."

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0470574755
• ISBN 13: 9780470574751
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256