Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow - Paperback

by Lenore Skenazy (Author)

Learn to raise independent, can-do kids with a new edition of the book that started a movement

In the newly revised and expanded Second Edition of Free-Range Kids, New York columnist-turned-movement leader Lenore Skenazy delivers a compelling and entertaining look at how we got so worried about everything our kids do, see, eat, read, wear, watch and lick -- and how to bid a whole lot of that anxiety goodbye. With real-world examples, advice, and a gimlet-eyed look at the way our culture forces fear down our throats, Skenazy describes how parents and educators can step back so kids step up. Positive change is faster, easier and a lot more fun than you'd believe. This is the book that has helped millions of American parents feel brave and optimistic again - and the same goes for their kids.

Using research, humor, and feisty common sense, the book shows:

• How parents can reject the media message, "Your child is in horrible danger!"
• How schools can give students more independence -- and what happens when they do. (Hint: Teachers love it.)
• How everyone can relax and successfully navigate a judge-y world filled with way too many warnings, scolds and brand new fears

Perfect for parents and guardians of children of all ages, Free-Range Kids will also earn a place in the libraries of K-12 educators who want their students to blossom with newfound confidence and cheer.

Front Jacket

"Lenore and I bonded over crows and kids. This book is only about one of those, but it's still great. Hopefully she'll get around to a book on crows someday." ―Dax Shepard, host, Armchair Expert

ARE YOU SICK AND TIRED OF WORRYING ABOUT...

...Creeps, kidnapping, germs, grades, flashers, frustration, failure, baby snatchers, bugs, bullies, men, sleepovers, and the perils of a non-organic grape?

Lenore is too! When the rollicking and commonsense book first came out, it caused a sensation―and started a movement. Parents everywhere learned that it's okay to let their kids learn and explore for themselves.

In this update, the author tackles a pervasive culture of fear that's only gotten worse over time and with new and compelling research, stats, and real-world stories that will have you breathing a sigh of relief and laughing out loud. (But not at the same time―that's a choking hazard!) There's even a special chapter for educators trying to survive in a world full of helicopter parents.

A bubbly but potent corrective for the irrational fears that drive so many parents crazy.
―Dr. Robert Needleman, co-author, Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, Ninth Edition

"Weirdly, I love this book! To begin with, it's laugh-out-loud funny. Plus, Lenore and I share a big belief: Kids can do so much more than our fearful culture thinks they can."
―Amy Chua, Yale Law Professor, author, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and Political Tribes

Back Jacket

"Lenore and I bonded over crows and kids. This book is only about one of those, but it's still great. Hopefully she'll get around to a book on crows someday."
--Dax Shepard, host, Armchair Expert

ARE YOU SICK AND TIRED OF WORRYING ABOUT...

...Creeps, kidnapping, germs, grades, flashers, frustration, failure, baby snatchers, bugs, bullies, men, sleepovers, and the perils of a non-organic grape?

Lenore is too! When the rollicking and commonsense book first came out, it caused a sensation and started a movement. Parents everywhere learned that it's okay to let their kids learn and explore for themselves.

In this update, the author tackles a pervasive culture of fear that's only gotten worse over time and with new and compelling research, stats, and real-world stories that will have you breathing a sigh of relief and laughing out loud. (But not at the same time?that's a choking hazard!) There's even a special chapter for educators trying to survive in a world full of helicopter parents.

"A bubbly but potent corrective for the irrational fears that drive so many parents crazy."
--Dr. Robert Needleman, co-author, Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, Ninth Edition

"Weirdly, I love this book! To begin with, it's laugh-out-loud funny. Plus, Lenore and I share a big belief: Kids can do so much more than our fearful culture thinks they can."
--Amy Chua, Yale Law Professor, author, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and Political Tribes

Author Biography

LENORE SKENAZY After her column "Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone" created a media firestorm, Lenore got labeled "America's Worst Mom." Nice. She turned around and started the Free-Range Kids movement, lecturing around the world and hosting the reality show, World's Worst Mom. Now she's President of Let Grow, the nonprofit promoting childhood independence.