Angela J. Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of TimberNook-a developmental nature based program that has become an international brand. Angela holds a master's degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in kinesiology (the study of movement). She has been a frequent contributor to the Washington Post and featured on the NPR education blog, Johnson & Johnson TEDx talks, The Huffington Post, ChicagoNow, Times of India, Jerusalem Post, Children & Nature Network, and MindShift.
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
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