Hi Readers — This is the blog that started the book that came out in hardcover a year ago and debuts in paperback today! With a new intro and even a new subtitle! Now it’s, dbizaefnft
“Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry).”
CRITICS RAVE!
“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 that 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.”
And to think it is available right here, for $10.17 (plus shipping)! It’s also in bookstores, of course. Might I remind everyone that Mother’s Day is fast approaching? ‘Nuf said! And thank you for providing so many ideas and so much fodder for the book! — Lenore
13 Comments
Fantastic news! Well done Lenore! One of the best books I’ve read recently.
I’ve been following your blog for awhile now. As the mom of 18, 15 and 11 year old kids, I have to tell you…BRAVO. Bravo for questioning what seems to be the norm in parenting style these days.
I’m running out this afternoon to pick up a copy of this…for several moms I know!!
Any way to order an autographed copy?
Congrats on the Paperback and the reviews!
Quick Story- My boys have been walking up the country road to a KOA 1/2 mile away, purchasing their can of soda and walking back for a couple of weeks now. My youngest son rides his bike and can be back before I’ve gotten the cream in my coffee meant to be enjoyed in silence. . . . .
Friend was here yesterday and heard the request from the boys and said it “sounded like something right out of a psycho thriller movie”, then went on to describe what would 100% surely happen – and was Terrified when she discovered that the boys weren’t kidding. They really wanted to go there. She allowed her 13 yr old son to go – but fidgeted in fear, white faced and wide eyed, when young son on a bike got back we got in the car to pick up the other two – where were already back with gatoraids, big smiles and one driveway away. She was still shocked her son was smiling and not in a “truckers back seat waiting to be taken advantage of”.
I’m still in shock of her reaction . . . .
Congratulations Lenore! It’s a good thing for the rest of us too. The more parents who jump on the Free-Range band wagon, the more kids our kids have to play with in the neighborhood!
My own Free-Range anniversary is Mother’s Day. A mom friend of mine sent out a link to an article about you last Mother’s Day. I immediately got your book, read it in two days, and my girls were out riding their bikes by themselves that weekend.
Thanks Lenore! Your book really did change mine and my kids’ lives.
Excellent news…. Keep up the good work: Scaremongers begone…
I can NOT wait to get this! I love your site and love what you have to say!
I have not read the book yet, but I will. I like the ideas you present, although I’m still having a hard time wrapping my mind around it…
Congratulations, Lenore. Time for a book-signing tour!
Congratulations!
Two days ago, my 3 year old played with our next door neighbor’s little girls (4 and 6) in our connected backyards, on our quiet street, with my neighbor and I simply keeping an ear and eye out our open windows. Yesterday, she was running up and down the side walk on our block, following the older ones on their bikes while I worked in our front garden. She feels so proud of herself.
Thank you for giving me ‘permission’ to breathe.
The paperback date on the Canadian Amazon.ca is March 26, 2010. On Amazon.com it is April 19, 2010, but the title, subtitle, and ISBNs are the same. Is the date on the Canadian site incorrect?
Wahoooo!!!!!!!! The beat goes on! Yes, please start touring ASAP.
I’ve been following your blog for a while so I went out yesterday and (finally) got the book. I’m halfway through already and I think I’m already well on my way to having free range kids. They are only 3 (almost 4) and 1 (almost 2) but they each have responsibilities and are allowed to do things most kids their age aren’t.
I am very excited about finishing the book and passing it on to a (very uptight) mommy friend!!