There’s an interesting conversation going on over at
Strollerderby. Do babies really need
monitors? Or, as it’s been
suggested, is it negligent to not use a baby monitor?
It’s an interesting question because it defines a recently evolving split in parenting styles: The helicopter parent vs. free range parent. The hand wringing helicopter parent hovers and the free rangers sits back and see the merit of an unrestricted environment.
And the antagonism is mounting.
While I’m hoping to get my hot little hands on a copy of Lenore Skenazy's upcoming book on Free Range Kids, I can’t yet say that I endorse her style. But I’ve followed her for some time and I think that we all may be able to pick up a few pointers. Lest we become a Nation of Wimps.