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Free-Range Kids, How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry) Paperback – April 19, 2010

by Lenore Skenazy (Author)

190 customer reviews

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FREE RANGE KIDS has become a national movement, sparked by the incredible response to Lenore Skenazy?s piece about allowing her 9-year-old ride the subway alone in NYC. Parent groups argued about it, bloggers, blogged, spouses became uncivil with each other, and the media jumped all over it. A lot of parents today, Skenazy says, see no difference between letting their kids walk to school and letting them walk through a firing range. Any risk is seen as too much risk. But if you try to prevent every possible danger or difficult in your child?s everyday life, that child never gets a chance to grow up. We parents have to realize that the greatest risk of all just might be trying to raise a child who never encounters choice or independence.

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Editorial Reviews

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

Review

"This book is a bubbly but potent corrective for the irrational fears that drive so many parents crazy. Skenazy is witty, perceptive, persuasive, and above all, sensible."
—Robert Needlman, M.D., coauthor, Dr Spock’s Baby and Child Care, 8th Edition.

"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

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

"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

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product details

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (April 19, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0470574755
ISBN-13: 978-0470574751
Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.7 x 8.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (190 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,704 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #908 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Parenting

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Customer reviews

190

4.4 out of 5 stars

5 star		69%
4 star		18%
3 star		5%
2 star		5%
1 star		3%

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Top customer reviews

Polarizing, but needn't be

Bysmallstakeson April 17, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I have read a lot of parenting books. In fact, when pregnant with my first and the topic of parenting books came up, my husband said "She reads them all, and then gives me the Cliff's Notes." Which was exactly true. I started with the "What to Expect..." books and went from there.

But this book... this is anti-alarmist parenting book. And I devoured it.

Ms. Skenazy is very polarizing. And I see why. The parents who have been indoctrinated to live in terror of every thing from germs to chemicals to sexual predators feel like she's minimalizing their fears. Poo-pooing them.

But she's not. Not in the least. And she is certainly not advocating reckless behavior. What she's suggesting is that we look at our fears rationally, statistically, and sort out for ourselves which of our fears are rational, and which are not. For the rational fears, take precautions and empower your child. Let him gain the skills he needs to make his way in the world with confidence.

Here's an example I worked out for one of my own situations. My 8-year old wants to walk to her friend's house two long blocks away by herself. It feels a little to dangerous for me. So I break down my fears. Well, I'm afraid she won't look when crossing the street and she'll get run over. So we work on this while walking together. I won't let the solo walk occur until I feel sure she's in the habit of crossing safely. The other fear is, of course, child nabbers. Which as Lenore points out, is incredibly unlikely... but still. So I teach her what to do if someone tries to coax her into their car. We practice. She gets it. Eventually, we both feel pretty good about her skills to walk two blocks. And she does. Her friend's mom texts me to let me know she got there, and all is good. My little girl is thrilled with her independence and with my trust in her.

At the end of each section, Lenore offers suggestions on how to move toward Free Range parenting at a level you're comfortable with. Here's one of them:

"Free-Range Baby Step: Cross the street with your school-age child, without holding hands. Make 'em look around at the traffic
Free-Range Brave Step: Let your little bikers, starting at age six or so, ride around the block a couple of times, beyond where you can see them. (Yes, in their helmets)
One Giant Leap for Free-Range Kind: Drop off your third- or fourth-grade child and a friend at an ice cream store with money for sundaes. Pick them up in half an hour. "

I love the different levels so you can proceed at your own pace.
Also, I love her humor throughout. The section of how worrisome trick-or-treating has become had me rolling.

Anyway, if you're like me and you feel that your kid could really benefit from more independence and free play, but you are reluctant to let it happen for fear of the worst (or fear of judgment), then this is your book. Enjoy.

0Comment 5 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Loved this book!

ByTNMomon July 6, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

If I could give this book 10 stars I would. I have always tried to be laid back when letting my son roam around the neighborhood, but that is difficult as other parents are constantly watching their children's moves. You begin to feel judged or the lesser of the parents. This book made me feel so much better about giving him even more freedom.

When I was a child, I remember roaming for miles without anyone knowing exactly where I was. There were no cell phones, and no one was worried as long as I showed up by dark. At 8, I was home along for an hour or so a day with my younger brother. We survived. I want my son to have similar freedoms as he grows up. This book was amazing and humorous as well!

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Every parent should take tips from this book!!!

ByMargaret Turneron March 24, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I read this whole book this morning (well, I skipped around a bit but got the main points). I have always been a fairly relaxed parent but in the last couple of years, I notice how worried I get over rare illnesses and the foods that can contribute, cars running my children over, etc. I have instilled the fear of Mother in my children while still allowing them to play outside (but not out of sight of at least one window in my home). Now I have the confidence to allow my 8 year old to walk across the highway (by highway I mean the main two lane road in our very, very small town) to Safeway which I can see from my back porch to purchase a loaf of bread and come home. She arrived back in one piece!! Surprise!!! Right now, my 8 year old and 5 year old are riding their bikes up and down our road (with warnings of watching for cars in case they don't see them), which they have never been allowed to do past the culdesac. It's freeing for me and for them. I have thoughts of progressively allowing my older child farther and farther until she is able to walk to school on her own next fall. This book has helped!!! I recommend it. The media has everyone so flippin worried about every little thing that "could" happen but is unlikely. We could all fall over with deadly illness tomorrow and then wouldn't we regret not living to our most fulfilling potential? I know I would. I'm glad I read this. Don't hesitate to buy it today. Why 4 stars? The author is very funny and it's written in a way that you will enjoy reading it but after about the first half of the book, you start to get the point and she's just going into too much detail over every little worry (which some of you may need)..I just skipped to the advice pages at the end of each chapter on how to apply this to your daily life.

0Comment 5 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Great book for combating this era of media induced paranoia

Byk.a.on December 11, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This is a great book. It's reassuring to read something reminiscent of how I was raised. Times have not changed for the better for kids. It's nice to be armed with some useful statistics for dealing with the overprotective parents that will cross our paths. I'd love it if it were updated a bit from when it was written, there was one subject where it seems like things have changed a bit since this book was published. I'd love an updated edition.

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

Data driven decision making vs Fear Mongering

ByRichard G. Heibergon February 25, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

We live in a society where the news media needs to compete for your dollars. They tend to sensationalize everything. A flood is the worst since record keeping (ok, maybe in that location). The crimes are "alarming" and everything is a "Crisis" So many Superlatives and somewhat 'truthful hyperbole' you'd think the scripts were written by Donald Trump. It's nice to find someone who has actually researched the actual risks and incident data to make intelligent decisions vs hysterical responses. When people find out they've been mislead they become understandably defensive. The overprotective parents who are afraid of being accused of being a 'bad parent' belittle those who don't bow to fear mongering. The book reminds the reader that Risk Free is not possible and when you bow to fear you miss opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest. You can't help but arrive at the conclusion that the woman who wrote this book, who was publicly proclaimed to be "The worlds worst mother.".......might actually be one of the best.

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Most recent customer reviews

Five Stars

Delivered as promised.

Published 1 month ago by Amazon Customer

interesting

Easy read. Interesting POV. Some things are a little extreme. But all in all, gives you something to think about.

Published 2 months ago by Amazon Customer

A Guide to Stressing Less

Great book for relieving parents' concerns and reminding them that the world outside really is a lot of fun that kids could be enjoying if they were only sent outside to play.

Published 4 months ago by Jessy Carlisle

and I think has helped me become a better parent by relaxing enough to let my child flourish

I was wavering between being totally neurotic about my son's safety and development, and not wanting him to grow up a "latchkey kid" as I did, cooped up at home during the...Read more

Published 11 months ago by Frida

Written well, but too sarcastic for me.

The writing style was fun and enjoyable so I was little sad that the content turned me off. It read more like a giant rant than a helpful lifestyle choice in my opinion.Read more

Published 1 year ago by REN

Great tips and advice

Great tips and advice. I used many of the ideas in the book and my family is very happy with their new found freedoms. Highly recommended

Published 1 year ago by Amazon Customer

Five Stars

The book was informative, witty, and enlightening.

Published 1 year ago by Amazon Customer

Take a deep breath

This is a fun, funny, easy read that opens eyes, encourages breathing deeply, and reminds us that our kids have brains and can be taught how to use them.Read more

Published 1 year ago by CBChristian

The majority of information in here can easily be found online if you have done any research ...

The majority of information in here can easily be found online if you have done any research at all.Read more

Published 1 year ago by Christopher Carrie

Free range sorry parents

Calling irresponsible parents free range is just spin. All they are doing is making other people care for their offspring.Read more

Published 1 year ago by Ms. Hattie

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