Re: Helicopter vs. Free Range parenting

Kapalua

I think of myself as a free range mom but N pretty much demands my constant attention.  How can I create a balance (ie keep him happy and also teach him independence)?

MelandJeff

What is N, a chicken?

LMFAO!

Kapalua

lizlemon used the term...not me!!  

DandR

awww, how sad..another mom who doesn't care about her kid!  (SARCASM!!!!!)

I think you just have to set them up to play independently, which means sometimes you start by playing with them, sort of show them how to do it, then take yourself out of the scene....get up to get a drink of water and don't sit back down with your kid.  Eventually they will learn to play and be creative by themself without having to have you show them how to do everything.

And honestly--having 3 so close in age has helped because they always have a playmate...my kids play together...sometimes Audrey and Mitch go in Mitch's room and play cars.  Sometimes Tay and Audrey go in their room and play barbies.  Sometimes Tay and Mitch set up his Geo Trax.

 

if.u.seek.amy

MelandJeff:

What is N, a chicken?

LMFAO!

Ditto!!! hahahahahaa!!!

tmp-144474875001424

In group settings, I want to be free range but I think that it depends on your child's personality.  If you know your child hits, or steals toys or is prone to biting if someone steals a toy from them, then you need to be more helicopter, even if you are sitting on a bench.  If your child is outgoing, free range is easier, otherwise, I try to get them engaged in an activity or with another child and then try to distance myself.

 If I'm alone at home - free range baby, they need to learn independant play.  if I take them to the park alone, I play with them unless they make a friend. 

kittycarr

I bully and ignore my kids.  I don't want them to grow up to be sissies.

lizlemon77

I was gone all morning and I haven't gone back to the other post yet, but I just wanted to tell you that I didn't make that term up.  I actually thought chicken the first time I heard it as well!

https://freerangekids.wordpress.com/