In "Free to Learn," Peter Gray argues for a more child-centered approach to education, emphasizing the importance of unstructured play and exploration in a child's development. He challenges traditional schooling methods, advocating for increased autonomy and freedom for children to learn at their own pace and in their own way. Gray draws on anthropological research and evolutionary psychology to support his claims, highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive adult supervision and control. The book promotes a shift towards a more playful and less structured learning environment, fostering creativity, self-reliance, and a love of learning. It offers practical advice for parents and educators seeking to create more enriching and empowering experiences for children.
The book explores how the ideas 'what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker,' 'always trust your feelings,' and 'life is a battle between good people and evil people' have become embedded in American culture. These 'Great Untruths' contradict basic psychological principles and ancient wisdom, leading to a culture of safetyism that interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The authors investigate various social trends, including fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised play, and the impact of social media, as well as changes on college campuses and the broader context of political polarization in America.
Boundless Parenting is a unique book that compiles stories, anecdotes, and advice from 37 parents, including entrepreneurs, celebrities, and educators. It provides practical tools and habits for raising self-actualized and flourishing children, covering topics like education, discipline, and family routines. The book emphasizes real-life experiences and unconventional approaches to parenting.
In the second edition of 'Free-Range Kids', Lenore Skenazy provides a compelling and entertaining look at how modern culture fosters excessive worry about children's safety. Using real-world examples, advice, and humor, Skenazy argues that parents and educators can step back to allow children to develop independence. The book includes strategies for rejecting media-driven fear, giving students more independence in schools, and navigating a culture filled with warnings and fears. It also features 'real-world' free-range parent experiences, exercises for parents, and a critique of urban myths about safety risks.
Lenore Skenazy has been known by the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.”
And yet I'm featuring her as a parenting expert in my upcoming Boundless Parenting book.
Hear me out...
Lenore graduated from Yale in 1981, and earned her master’s degree from Columbia University in 1983. A speaker, blogger, syndicated columnist, and reality show host, Lenore has been featured by national media outlets, including NPR, the New York Daily News, Good Morning America, and NBC News. Until 2008, Lenore was a regular columnist for the New York Sun. Her controversial piece, "Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone," received worldwide news coverage and earned her that "Worst Mom" nickname.
However, the column also led to the founding of a blog called Free-Range Kids, which is "fighting the belief that our children are in constant danger from creeps, kidnapping, germs, grades, flashers, frustration, failure, baby snatchers, bugs, bullies, men, sleepovers and/or the perils of a non-organic grape." A bestselling book that followed, also called Free-Range Kids, kicked off a movement that promotes childhood independence and resilience as the path for children to grow into capable, confident, and happy adults. Lenore serves as the president of Let Grow, the non-profit organization behind Free-Range Kids.
On her television show World's Worst Mom, Lenore trains overprotective parents to give their children more independence and confidence. Lenore Skenazy believes that the concept of helicopter parenting, excessive and often unnecessary worry about safety, and lack of creative and slightly dangerous free play are hampering the health and growth of children.
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