Free-Range Parenting
posted by Lisa RobinsonTuesday, June 2nd, 2009
As all moms know, it is a fine line to balance concern with overparenting. Is it nutty to lurk outside your kid’s classroom to catch a peek of your child, to ache when they miss when they are up at bat, or to want to send them into the world – whether to kindergarten, camp or college – with a protective bubble? I am feeling a bit optimistic that alpha motherhood may be morphing into realistic parenting. I have raised two incredibly strong young women, who understand that while motherhood enriches me, it does not solely define me. The new movement of realistic parenting makes sense in this new economy and return to basics. Maybe French lessons, Suzuki and Kumon are great – but are they necessary for raising confident, empathic young adults. Marketers need to understand that the recession and return to basics is changing the way moms parent and shop. We are still purchasing, but not out of guilt to cater to every family whim and we want brands that understand this cultural shift and to speak to us not at us.
