No, I am not being facetious.
Though I really hope the mom who suggested it is…in fact, I’m almost very probably sure that she almost is 😉
Lenore Skenazy is the author of the book Free-Range Kids, How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry) and proponent of a parenting style that she describes as “Fighting the belief that our children are in constant danger from creeps, kidnapping, germs, grades, flashers, frustration, baby snatchers, bugs, bullies, men, sleepovers, Ivy League rejection letters and/or the perils of a non-organic grape.”
On her blog, Free-Range Kids, a few days ago, she suggested that parents pay $350 (full scholarships available for the taking) for the privilege of dropping their 8-18 year old in Central Park to not be watched by Lenore herself. Because Central Park is the safest precinct in the safest largest city in the country. Oh, a waiver is required absolving Lenore of any responsibility.
