In today’s parenting landscape, the term “free-range parenting” has emerged as a counter to the overprotective “helicopter parent” stereotype. The idea is that we’ve coddled our children to the point of dysfunction, and now it’s time to let them figure things out on their own, even if that means wrestling with a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese.
As for me? I’m more of a free-range parent by circumstance than by choice. My life is a whirlwind of obligations, making hovering over my kids an impossible feat. I’m actually excited to be ahead of the curve—just imagine the day my child finds a cure for cancer using my makeup collection as a makeshift science lab. As long as my kids are engaged and entertained, I’m a happy camper.
It’s not that I don’t adore my children; I love them deeply. But I believe in giving them the space they need to think, breathe, and explore their own ideas. I’m not the kind of mom who plays alongside them; I’m more of an observer, sipping my coffee while making to-do lists that never seem to get done. After all, I’ve already done my part by bringing them into this world and ensuring they’re well-fed—organic snacks and all!
Now, they say free-range parenting requires us to schedule time away from our children. Insert loud, hearty laughter here. We’re expected to create screen-free times so our little ones can unleash their imaginations in the great outdoors of our suburban backyards, while we stand by, worrying about scraped knees—even when they’re bundled in layers of protective gear. Apparently, this is supposed to ease the burden of failing to secure that elusive Harvard scholarship, as if just showing up is enough.
My reality is quite the opposite: I often have to carve out time to supervise my children, which feels like an exhausting task. With a full-time job from home, a husband running a business, and hobbies that include online shopping and indulging in secret pantry snacks, my schedule is packed.
If my kids want to run around, yelling and wielding bubble wands while I lounge in a chair with a book (or flipping through Elle Décor for a change), then so be it! If anyone were to call Child Protective Services on me, I’d simply explain that I’m practicing free-range parenting—science backs it up! And honestly, if someone wants to take my kids for a while, I wouldn’t mind a decent babysitter.
Just to clarify, my kids have a strict organic snack policy, so the quality of their food is never compromised.
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In summary, free-range parenting may sound like a lofty goal, but for many of us, it’s simply a byproduct of a busy life. We may not be hovering over our children, but that doesn’t mean we don’t care. In fact, sometimes stepping back allows them to thrive in ways we never imagined.
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