Quotes from Lenore Skenazy

Who's crazy: people who trust other people, or people who don't?

A child who thinks he can't do anything on his own eventually can't.

Who's crazy: people who trust other people, or people who don't?

You don't remember the times your dad held your handle bars. You remember the day he let go.

We want our children to have a childhood that's magical and enriched, but I'll bet that your best childhood memories involve something you were thrilled to do by yourself. These are childhood's magic words: "I did it myself!

We have to learn to remind the other parents who think we're being careless when we loosen our grip that we are actually trying to teach our children how to get along in the world, and that we believe this is our job. A child who can fend for himself is a lot safer than one forever coddled, because the coddled child will not have Mom or Dad around all the time, even though they act as if he will.

Of course, if adolescents are ready to take on the world—and make babies and sustain the species—it's no surprise they're surly and awful to be around when we treat them like little children today. The disconnect between "I'm grown up!" and "You're grounded" is just too great. One study found that the peak year for depression among American women is eighteen. They're ready to start out but can't get started.

Your mind is wandering, desperately trying to keep itself amused. It's not crazy, says therapist Cineas; it could just be a way to occupy yourself. We all have an active inner life: we're busy making remarks, silently snorting, and imagining scenarios.

You don't remember the times your dad held your handle bars. You remember the day he let go.