" Balanced and Barefoot offers a refreshingly straightforward approach that counters the pressures many well-intentioned parents feel in raising children today. It's about backing off and giving children the space to do what they naturally do--to explore and figure out the world, to make decisions, and use their imagination. Being outdoors allows children to learn about themselves, gain confidence and flexibility, learn to problem solve, and get along with others. These are all traits they need for healthy development. I recommend this book for every parent looking to raise an independent, caring, resilient and confident child."
--Tovah P. Klein, PhD, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, and author of How Toddlers Thrive
"Angela Hanscom is a powerful voice for balance."
--Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods
"I am a fan and proponent of Angela Hanscom's nature-based philosophy. Her new book is an eye-opener as she presents from experience, observation, and scientific research not only the benefits of physical activity and free play for children, but also the mental and emotional necessity. In a culture that markets devices that restrict infant movement, endorses early education for toddlers, and over-schedules structured activities for children of all ages, Hanscom's book is both illuminating and timely. Eloquent, logical, and reasoned, Balanced and Barefoot is a gift and an important read for educators, caregivers, and parents."
--Janet Lansbury, author of Elevating Child Care and No Bad Kids
--Janet Lansbury, author of Elevating Child Care and No Bad Kids
"Exposure to nature in early childhood provides a wide range of sensory and psychological advantages for child development. Stimulation of all senses improves physical and mental balance. Natural, free play--as proposed by Angela Hanscom--is essential for nurturing stronger and healthier bodies and minds. I recommend this important book to all parents and teachers, because we need to have the TimberNook experience everywhere."
--John M. Tew, Jr., MD, professor of neurosurgery, surgery, and radiology at the University of Cincinnati, and executive director of community affairs at UC Health and UC College of Medicine
"Here I am, the 'Free-Range Lady, ' and I, too, was often shocked and saddened to see my kids (and others) not know how to organize their own games outside with their friends. This is the book I needed when they were younger!"
--Lenore Skenazy, founder of the book, blog, and movement, Free-Range Kids
--Lenore Skenazy, founder of the book, blog, and movement, Free-Range Kids
Angela J. Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook--an award-winning developmental and nature-based program that has gained international popularity. She holds a master's degree in occupational therapy, and an undergraduate degree in kinesiology (the study of movement) with a concentration in health fitness. Awarded a "Hometown Hero" by Glamour magazine for her innovative work with TimberNook, Hanscom has also been a frequent contributor to The Washington Post's "Answer Sheet" column, and was featured on the NPR education blogs Children & Nature Network and MindShift. Hanscom resides in Barrington, NH.
Richard Louv is a journalist, and author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle. He is cofounder of the Children and Nature Network--an organization helping to connect people to the natural world. He's written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more, and appears on programs such as NBC's Today and NPR's Fresh Air.
New Harbinger Publications
Pub Date: April 22, 2016
0.7" H x 8.9" L x 6.0" W
256 pages
paperback