free range parent

Does parenting even matter?

Does parenting even matter?

We put so much energy into moulding our kids into happy, successful adults. But what makes more of a difference—nature or nurture?

Leah McLaren

Snowplow parenting: What to know about the controversial technique

Snowplow parenting: What to know about the controversial technique

Get out of the way, Tiger Moms and helicopter and free-range parents! There's a new parenting label making headlines.

Emma Waverman

The one thing about free-range parenting nobody talks about

The one thing about free-range parenting nobody talks about

I was the most committed free-range parent around. But I had no idea that having a teenager would tempt me to give it up for good.

Hilary Achauer

How to give your older kid more freedom

How to give your older kid more freedom

There are benefits to allowing more independence.

Lisa Kadane

This new urban adventure camp will teach your kids how to navigate the big city

This new urban adventure camp will teach your kids how to navigate the big city

For parents who may be hesitant to let their kids roam around a big city on their own, City Scouts is a stepping stone toward their kids' independence

Kevin John Siazon

Understanding the stats behind your kid's safety

Understanding the stats behind your kid's safety

Media accounts of abductions and accidental child deaths can be alarming. Fortunately, statistics remind us of all those who make it home safe and sound.

Terra Ciolfe, Maclean's

Utah just took a step to actually legalize free-range parenting

Utah just took a step to actually legalize free-range parenting

This state just approved a bill to help ensure parents who decide their kids are old enough to do certain things alone aren't hung out to dry for it.

Liz Krieger

Why kids need risk, fear and excitement in play

Why kids need risk, fear and excitement in play

When children test their own boundaries in thrilling play, they develop self-confidence, resilience and risk management skills.

Mariana Brussoni

Why we need to encourage our kids to be wild

Why we need to encourage our kids to be wild

Jennifer Pinarski's children are wild—and she worries that there isn't a place for them in society.

Jennifer Pinarski

5 times free-range parenting didn’t work the way I expected

5 times free-range parenting didn’t work the way I expected

Jennifer Pinarski didn’t anticipate poison ivy, scratched floors and missing toilet paper.

Jennifer Pinarski

Helicopter parenting linked to depression in young adults

Helicopter parenting linked to depression in young adults

Studies are finding a link between helicopter parenting and depression in young adults, but Jennifer Pinarski shares a different view.

Jennifer Pinarski

Kids need risky outdoor play—here's why

Kids need risky outdoor play—here's why

The new ParticipACTION Report Card gives Canadian kids a failing grade for physical activity.

Jennifer Pinarski

Helicopter parenting hurts kids in the long run: New study

Helicopter parenting hurts kids in the long run: New study

A new study suggests that even when helicopter parents shower their kids with love and support, certain side effects—like poor self-esteem—begin to emerge.

Jennifer Pinarski

Community's fight with free-range parents continues

Community's fight with free-range parents continues

The children of free-range parents Danielle and Alexander Meitiv were picked up and held by police on Sunday.

Jennifer Pinarski

The trouble with helicopter parenting

The trouble with helicopter parenting

Helicopter parenting won't teach kids to solve their own problems, writes Jennifer Pinarski.

Jennifer Pinarski

Free-range parents found guilty of unsubstantiated child neglect

Free-range parents found guilty of unsubstantiated child neglect

Free-range parents in Maryland have been found guilty of child neglect. Jennifer Pinarski fears this has bigger implications for all parents.

Jennifer Pinarski

Why I'm converting to free-range parenting

Why I'm converting to free-range parenting

This is how a parking lot confrontation made one mom rethink her helicopter parenting style.

Raizel Robin

Should leaving school-aged kids home alone be illegal?

Should leaving school-aged kids home alone be illegal?

A Winnipeg mom was charged with child abandonment after leaving her kid home alone for 90 minutes, and the court's decision may mean big changes in Canadian law.

Jennifer Pinarski

What toy-free schoolyards teach kids about play

What toy-free schoolyards teach kids about play

Whether due to expense or philosophy, schoolyards without equipment can teach children a lot about the simple joys of imagination.

Jennifer Pinarski

Home alone: How old is old enough?

Home alone: How old is old enough?

Babble blogger Lizzie Heiselt left her seven-year-old son home alone while she ran errands—and kicked up a media firestorm.

Jennifer Pinarski