http://www.naturallifemagazine.com/1004/ask_naomi_aldort_freedom.htm

I think she is missing the point...I think there are many absentee unschooling folks who like to unparent. Unparenting with "junkfood" and tv/movies at a child's disposal means a lonely kid might just chose from limited options junkfood and "movies" all the time. But when movies, toys, science centre, craft supplies, books and Monopoly/Board Games are around things get mighty interesting! If parents are around kids make choices in freedom, but with advice. Plus I live in the 21st century--why would I pretend otherwise?

My seven year old, ten year old and fourteen year old all played Monopoly with Mom(me) Saturday night. Yes, we ate chips, pizza, and strawberries(topped with Marty's freshly whipped cream with maple syrup). Rowan, and Crispin set up the Board and chips. Marty left the Wii to join us(though he was free to snack in front of the Wii, alone).

Today my husband was going to a museum and the fourteen year old who played with mom and little bros, rather than friends online, invited the guys to go to a museum with his dad (and brothers) instead of chilling at home with unlimited games. Guess what...Rowan and his teen friends went to a musuem, because they could game anytime!

However, a child who “needs” candy or a movie is not free; the experience of candy or TV has created the illusion of a need.

Okay, obviously she's never heard of Dr Clara Davis who discovered when offered diverse choice infants actually balanced their diets. They did often eat dessert first:)

Also,
The relations between restriction and weight outcomes are consistent with previous research, which demonstrated that high parental restriction was related to increased intake and higher weight statuses among children(http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(09)00448-X/fulltext)

Again, none of us are advocating kids are magic omnipotent pixie beings, just that given options they make good choices.

Does anyone else find these experts frustrating?
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