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

July 14, 2009
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 NewAYork CityApublic 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.-Julianne J. Smith, Ypsilanti Dist. Lib., MI

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