The updated and expanded second edition of Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow will be released on Wednesday with all-new insights for parents and educators, including new chapters on anxiety, technology, free play, and how what kids do just for fun can often point them (sometimes unconsciously!) toward their careers.
Author Lenore Skenazy (yep, me –but this is the press release) shot to notoriety in 2008 when she wrote a column about letting her 9-year-old ride the subway alone. She started her Free-Range Kids blog two days later, which grew into a book and a national movement promoting childhood independence. Now she is president of the nonprofit Let Grow, and the second edition of Free-Range Kids offers advice for a new generation of parents and teachers, including new stories, stats, and real-world examples of what happens when adults loosen the reins. As Skenazy likes to say, “When adults step back, kids step up. This book makes that easier.”
As seen on The Daily Show
Free-Range Kids has been featured in the media far and wide, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, The Times of London, Der Spiegel, and on TV show — including Dr. Phil, The View, and The Daily Show. The book even inspired the reality TV show, World’s Worst Mom.
Over the years, thousands of readers have reached out to Skenazy—some inspired, some outraged. But gradually the movement has gained more mainstream acceptance.
“Since the first edition of Free-Range Kids, a lot has changed in our world, including a spike in childhood anxiety and an explosion of technology,” said Skenazy. “Parents and educators are looking for answers. The revised and expanded Free-Range Kids tackles these new topics and reassures readers that it’s easy and normal to do a little less for kids and watch them reap the rewards of self-reliance.”
“When we trust kids with independence, they knock our socks off” — Dr. Michael Hynes, Superintendent
“When we trust kids with some more independence, they knock our socks off with their creativity, resourcefulness, and brilliance,” said Dr. Michael Hynes, superintendent of schools at Port Washington Union Free School District in Long Island, NY. “This book is educator gold.”
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.
- How everyone can relax and successfully navigate a judge-y world filled with way too many warnings, scolds, and brand-new fears.
REVIEWS:
“Lenore and I bonded over crows and kids. This book is only about one of those, but it’s still great.” —Dax Shepard, host, Armchair Expert
“Weirdly, I love this book! 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, a.k.a. “The Tiger Mom”
“A bubbly but potent corrective for the irrational fears that drive so many parents crazy.” —Dr. Robert Needlman, pediatrician, co-author, Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care, Ninth Edition
To purchase the second edition of Free-Range Kids, click here.
A free chapter for educators can be accessed here.