Canadian Broadcasting Center's The National featured a discussion about a parenting style that is gaining momentum. "Slow parenting" is a hands-off approach to raising kids that allows more choice and less structure. "Slow parenting" is being applied in a new reality television show called "Bubble Wrap Kids." Here are details about this growing parenting trend.
"Free-range kids" vs. "helicopter parents"
The National's Melanie Nagy talked with Lenore Skenazy, and advocate of child-centered, slowed-down parenting. Skenazy says she became the most hated mom in America when she allowed her 8-year-old child to ride a New York subway alone. In her book "Free Range Kids: How to Develop Safe, Self-Reliant Kids (Without Going Nuts with Worry)," Skenazy revisits the overprotective vs. permissive parent debate. Free-range kids are allowed to be autonomous. She contrasts this parenting style with "helicopter parents" who are fearful, always hovering and ready to rush in to assist their child, even if the child might not want or need that help. Skenazy says overanxious parents communicate a lack of trust to their children. Sheltered children don't learn that it's okay to experiment and to make mistakes. They can't learn new skills or develop confidence. The only coping skill they learn is fear, Skenazy says.
"Bubble Wrap Kids"
In an effort to shield their children from any danger, overprotective parents generally have lengthy lists of things they don't allow: sleepovers, walking places alone, visiting friends, potentially dangerous recreation and Internet usage. Even allowing kids to cook or prepare their own food is fearful for some parents. On her Cineflix TV show "Bubble Wrap Kids," Skenazy goes into homes and helps "helicopter" parents process their own fears and give their children safe, age-appropriate freedoms. Skenazy works with kids, teaching them tools they need to be independent.
"Slow parenting"
"Slow parenting" is not a new concept. Canadian journalist and parent Carl Honore has been writing about the "Slow Movement," which combats overmanaged, overbusy family life. Instead of pushing their kids so hard, Honore encourages families to take life at less frenetic pace, to get off the grid and to give children room to grow and experience life naturally. A Technology, Entertainment, Design speaker, Honore says kids are under too much pressure to be always successful. In his books "In Praise of Slowness," he discusses the toll that the push to achieve takes on kids, emotionally, physically and mentally. He encourages parents to help kids get in touch with their "inner tortoise."
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about parenting from 23 years raising four children and 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and home-school.
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