4 ms·

I'm not sure if it was already around, but the first time I heard the term "Free-range kids" was from Lenore Skenazy[1], who was called "America's worst mom" af

I'm not sure if it was already around, but the first time I heard the term "Free-range kids" was from Lenore Skenazy[1], who was called "America's worst mom" after she wrote an article about letting her son ride the subway by himself[2]. I remember thinking the issue would go away, that everyone would come to their senses soon and that people would realize it made no sense to worry about everything. Instead, I learned a new term: "helicopter parents"[3]. [1] http://www.freerangekids.com/ http://www.freerangekids.com/ [2] http://www.nysun.com/opinion/americas-worst-mom/74347/ http://www.nysun.com/opinion/americas-worst-mom/74347/ [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_parent https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_parent

blacksmith_tb 12y ago
Note that helicopter-style parenting is a complex social phenomenon, and not just some sort of personal failing (an implication which is similar to the "worst mom" characterization of Skenazy). Children who grow up in suburban sprawl, long distances from school and friends will require chauffeuring, scheduled playdates, etc. I would be surprised if most parents wouldn't be pleased if their children were able to be more independent at an earlier age (though I am sure some subset would rather maintain control).