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How Lenore Skenazy Became ‘The World’s Worst Mom’
Imagine being dubbed ‘the world’s worst mom’ by not just one disgruntled person but by the media as a whole. That’s exactly what happened to Lenore Skenazy, when, in 2008, she had the ‘audacity’ to allow her 9-year-old son ride the New York City subway home alone.
Of course, she didn’t have to advertise this fact by writing a column in the New York Sun about it, but she did. Lenore’s trade was already a successful columnist, and finding the reactions of her friends and peers to be so fascinating she knew it would make for a great column idea. Of course, she couldn’t have predicted the media storm that would follow. Almost immediately she was making appearances on all the major TV networks and before she knew it was dubbed ‘the world’s worst mom.’
In her column she explained her reasons for letting her son ride the subway. The main reason was that he desperately wanted to. In fact, he begged her to let him off somewhere in the city to let himself find his way home.
The resulting media explosion combined with her growing sense of mission helped launched the free range kids (and free range parents movement).
Free Range Kids (and Parenting)
It’s ten years later now, and the movement has grown enormously. So much so that the first state (Utah) has protected parents with the so-called ‘free range parenting law.’ Basically, it means that parents don’t have to fear arrest or legal action for allowing their kids some measure of freedom.
Kids can do simple things like walk to the local park or to and from school. Parents can send their kids to the store alone to pick up bread or milk. Or, as in Lenore’s case, to let kids come home on public transportation.
As you can imagine, Lenore’s story resonated with me a great deal. I’m not sure if I’m officially a ‘free range parent,’ but like Lenore, I believe that kids benefit from being able to have free time to play. We share in the belief that the best learning is when kids are exploring the world with other kids.
We both believe that kids can and should take care of themselves some of the time rather than being constantly under the watchful eye of their parents.
Where is The Movement Now?
It’s been ten years since Lenore ‘went viral’ after writing her article. Since then, she perhaps more than anyone (with the possible exception of her ‘Let Grow’ board member Dr. Peter Gray) has been working and advocating for a sensible approach to parenting.
Lenore and her organization are pushing hard to ensure that kids get what they need the most, which is actual free time to play without the constant guidance and planning of adults. And she shares some incredible stories on the podcast about of how being a free range kid benefits.
I absolutely loved this episode. Lenore is one of my personal heroes, and I’ve been following her and her message for years. Having her on the podcast is a dream come true, and I’m sure you’ll love this episode as much as me.
She shares a lot in this episode, and Lenore has a wonderful personality. I hope you enjoy this episode of Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids
Mentioned in This Episode
Lenore’s Original Website “Free Range Kids”
“Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” by Lenore Skenazy
