ArcaMax

The thing about traveling abroad is that suddenly the way you do everyday things turns out not to be the way everyone else does those things, and the mind is blown. Or at least opened a smidge.

So allow me, if you will, to describe a few things that folks in Buenos Aires do differently from us in the States. Starting with ... coffee breaks.

...Read more

Not that I feel like hanging out in 21-degree weather with 45 mph winds -- thank you very much, February -- but if I did, I would not be welcome at many of my local playgrounds. As the New York City Parks Department website informs folks like me, with no young kids:

"At many playgrounds, adults are not allowed except when accompanying a child...Read more

Kids need some unsupervised time. Sure, it depends on their age, interests and neighborhood, but I am pretty constantly urging nervous parents to get a grip and let their kids walk to school, play outside and go to the store.

But in truth, it is not only anxiety thwarting parents. There are other forces arrayed against them: the car-centric ...Read more

Kids have the right to some independence, and parents have the right to give it to them -- without getting investigated for neglect!

That's why I'm thrilled that legislators in five states are hoping to pass "Reasonable Childhood Independence" laws this year. And another five states may follow suit.

Bipartisan sponsors, who often disagree on...Read more

A mom wrote to me the other day saying that, guess what? Her kids are now teens, and she knows they'll make some imperfect decisions, because she made some, too, and all this adds up to ... worry.

"I totally get how bad that feels," she wrote. "But I think parents are on the wrong track." They're seeking peace of mind, but that just isn't in ...Read more

This week I was speaking to a group of K-12 educators about my usual: the need for more free time, free play, self-direction and real-world adventures/responsibilities in childhood if we want to raise happier, healthier kids.

A frustrated high school AP history teacher then raised his hand and asked: But what are we supposed to do?

Give less...Read more

The online publication Parents' article "5 Ways to Support Your Child's Preschool Curriculum at Home" is not just annoying. It is WRONG, and so is the whole idea it's pushing: Kids are dumb as dumplings and don't learn anything without you, the mom (or, ha ha, dad) constantly, endlessly nattering at them.

So it tells parents: Make every moment ...Read more

It's an amazing gift, like a crimson sunset. It's an amazing institution, like the public library. And it's an amazing treasure, like Aladdin's cave. Except instead of gold and rubies, there's milk and cat food.

I'm speaking, of course, of the local mini mart: That humble store, often as tall as it is wide, stocked with every item you didn't ...Read more

New Year's resolutions for my stuff:

-- I, your pillow, will do a better job helping you sleep: by being squishy enough to feel delicious, and hard enough to not feel too squishy. I shall not mention that this is an impossible task, for I am your pillow, and my job is to gently usher you into dreamland, YOU IMPOSSIBLE INSOMNIAC! JUST TAKE A ...Read more

Do you need a little Christmas right this very minute? Here you go!

'The Drone Song' (To 'There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays')

Oh, there's no lack of drones in the Jersey skies

Big as Chevys, they're everywhere you roam

In the night, there's a turnpike shining in your eyes

For those Jersey guys (and spies), it's home sweet drone

'...Read more

Can we please stop pimping the carols?

Carols are just fine the way they were written -- and particularly fine the way Nat King Cole sang them.

They have, often enough, words that fall on the notes. They have a recognizable tune, usually beautiful. They do not need to swing, sway or swagger any more than they have done these past few decades ...Read more