Balanced and Barefoot

“Balanced and Barefoot offers new ways to see, solve, and prevent the reactive behaviors and emotions that cause kids to struggle and parents to worry. Full of practical ways to give kids the kinds of experiences that will help them thrive, this book is a must-read for parents and teachers alike.”

—Tina Payne Bryson, PhD, coauthor of the New York Times bestsellers The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline

“Angela Hanscom explains—beautifully and convincingly—why unrestricted outdoor play is essential to children’s healthy sensory, motor, social, and intellectual development, and she shows how we can enable such play in today’s world. I recommend this book highly to all parents, educators, and pediatric health professionals, and to anyone involved in making decisions that affect children’s lives.”

—Peter Gray, research professor of psychology at Boston College, and author of Free to Learn

“In Balanced and Barefoot, Angela Hanscom gives adults permission to release the reigns without fear. Her expertise as an occupational therapist affirms what so many of us know intuitively: children thrive when they have access to rich, self-directed play opportunities.”

—Erin Davis, director of The Land: An Adventure Play Documentary

“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

“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

“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

“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

Publisher’s Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Debbie Berne; Cover photo and author photo by Millissa Gass at MadLiv’n Design and Photography; Acquired by Melissa Kirk; Edited by James Lainsbury; Indexed by James Minkin

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Hanscom, Angela J., author.

Title: Balanced and barefoot : how unrestricted outdoor play makes for strong, confident, and capable children / Angela J. Hanscom ; foreword by Richard Louv.

Description: Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications, [2016] | Includes bibliographical references.

Classification: LCC HQ782 .H346 2016 (print) | LCC HQ782 (ebook) | DDC 306.4/81--dc23

LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2015047849

This book is dedicated to Joelle, Charlotte, and Noah Hanscom.