Parenting Book
It’s OK to Go Up the Slide

Tarcher; Penguin Random House, 2016
ISBN 9780399172007

If something’s bothering you, it’s time to make a change.

  • Books for a Better Life finalist
  • Nautilus Silver Award
  • Now available as an audio book

“Truly a writer for our times.” ~ Ellen Galinsky, editor

For signed, personalized copies, order from Horizon or Brilliant Books.

 

This book dives in to hot-button issues such as: Ban elementary school homework, recess is a right, and it’s OK to talk to strangers. The perfect companion to It’s OK Not to Share as your child enters preschool, kindergarten and the elementary years.

It’s OK to Go Up the Slide confronts unhealthy practices for children head-on, from homework loads to reduced risky play, screen time to inappropriate kindergarten programs. Examines all our worst fears, from stranger danger to falling behind in school and technology, and redirects us toward sanity.

Your gut’s been telling you something is wrong. This book explains why, and offers practical “Words to Say” and ways to buck the system respectfully.

21 Renegade rules include:

  • It’s OK Not to Kiss Grandma
  • Safety Second
  • Ban Homework in Elementary School
  • Reconfigure Kindergarten
  • Princess Power
  • Banish Calendars at Circle Time
  • Discipline your Phone
  • Families are not Entertainment Centers

And, of course, why children insist on going up the slide.

Available in paperbook, ebook, audiobook and translated into five languages.

Reviews

"Sensible and provocative. This book will turn notions about kids, families and schools upside down. From homework to strangers to technology, Shumaker tackles all the big topics facing the preschool to elementary set."
~ Amy McCready, author of The "Me, Me, Me" Epidemic

“It’s OK to Go Up the Slide offers tender but practical parenting advice. Truly a writer for our times.” ~ Work & Family Life, editor Ellen Galinsky

"I'm in love with the book. It's going to rock some boats, challenge some thinking, and nudge some adults in the right direction."
~ Jeff A. Johnson, author of Let's Play

“Can we clone Heather Shumaker? If so, let's get cracking. Anyone willing to stop and ask, "Wait - why do we have to sign our kids' homework?" is already on the right track. She stops to re-examine almost all conventional wisdom about childhood to figure out which of it is based on anything other than, ‘That’s just how it’s done.’ That makes her my hero."
~ Lenore Skenazy, founder of Free Range Kids

“Once again, Heather Shumaker challenges our unquestioned assumptions about child-raising with such clarity that you’ll wonder why her points weren’t glaringly obvious to you before reading her book.” ~ Dr. Laura Markham, author Peaceful Parent, Happy Child

“Chock full of reasons to join the renegade army!” ~ Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey Lady

“This is the book I have been waiting for. Heather again has provided us with practical and respectful parenting advice for the child entering the big world of elementary school years. This book is tender and completely engaging.”
~ Daniel Hodgins, author Boys: Changing the Classroom, not the Child

“The revolution has arrived. It’s time to go up the slide.” ~ Anthony DeBenedet, MD

What Readers Say

“The book is a gem! I am so much more confident parenting in public now. It’s absolutely amazing. I just keep going back to it over and over again.” - Edith

“I used to be an ‘up the ladder, down the slide’ kinda gal, but somewhere along the line I realized how wrong I was. Maturity, maybe, knowledge of child development…and you.”  - Alison

“It has uplifted my spirit and helped me understand who I truly am. You rock my and my son’s world!” - Jilna

“I have read (and reread) your books and they have had a HUGE influence on my thinking.” - Jessica

“You are really parenting the whole family. Your books bring out the best in all of us.” - Shannon

Endorsed by

  • Becky Bailey, Conscious Discipline
  • Stuart Brown, National Institute for Play
  • Leonard Cohen, Playful Parenting
  • Peter Gray, Free to Learn
  • Michael Gurian, The Wonder of Boys
  • Vicki Hoefle, Duct Tape Parenting
  • Dan Hodgins, Boys
  • Jeff Johnson, Explorations Early Learning
  • Dr. Laura Markham, Aha! Parenting
  • Amy McCready, Positive Parenting
  • Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey Lady
  • Lenore Skenazy, Free Range Kids

And more!

Decorate your fridge with It’s OK wisdom!

  

 

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It’s OK to Go Up the Slide

Tarcher; Penguin Random House, 2016

ISBN 9780399172007

 

If something’s bothering you, it’s time to make a change.

  • Books for a Better Life finalist
  • Nautilus Silver Award
  • Now available as an audio book

“Truly a writer for our times.” ~ Ellen Galinsky, editor

 

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Heather
Shumaker
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