EDISON PARK — The founder of the Free-Range Kids movement that encourages parents to let their kids spread their wings without supervision will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Edison Park Elementary School, 6200 N. Olcott Ave.
Lenore Skenazy, a journalist, rose to prominence in 2008 when she wrote a column for the New York Sun about letting her then-9-year-old son ride the New York City subway by himself. The column sparked a range of reactions, including accusations of child abuse and praise from parents who said children should be allowed to be more independent.
Skenazy's talk — titled "How did we get so afraid for our kids?" — promises a hilarious look at the perils of helicopter parenting, which she contends is making children "too safe to succeed."
Skenazy, a contributor to Reason.com, will encourage parents to loosen the reins and not be controlled by the fear of "creeps, kidnapping, germs, grades, flashers, frustration, failure, baby snatchers, bugs, bullies, men, sleepovers and/or the perils of a non-organic grape," according to organizers.
Skenazy also hosted the reality show "World's Worst Mom" on the Discovery Life Channel.
For more information about the event hosted by the Edison Park Elementary Parent Teacher Association, call Casey Fitzner at 773-534-0960 or email cfitzner1971@gmail.com.
Online registration is available. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.
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