TONYKids blog

At what age can kids ride the subway alone?

Mon Apr 7

When Lenore Skenazy let her nine-year-old son, Izzy, ride the subway by himself, she thought she was giving him independence. When she wrote about the incident in her column in the New York Sun, however, she sparked a citywide debate that landed her an appearance on the Today show last week. In response to those who thought she was being irresponsible, she said, "“It’s safe to go on the subway. It’s safe to be a kid. It’s safe to ride your bike on the streets. We’re like brainwashed because of all the stories we hear that it isn’t safe. But those are the exceptions. That’s why they make it to the news. This is like, ‘Boy boils egg.’ He did something that any nine-year-old could do.” If you missed the show, check out the clip below. Then weigh in: At what age did you/will you let your kids ride the subway without you? Was Lenore out of line? Click here to see what our expert suggests when it comes to riding the train solo!

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Family feud

Thu Apr 3

We at Time Out New York Kids love our sister mag Time Out New York (obviously). The magazine and its staff members are our family. So, it stands to reason that TONY's readers are, by default, our extended family. But like all families, sometimes we squabble. This week, we've got a bone to pick to with one TONY reader. In the current issue, G. Dorse, of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, gripes: "I hate babies. They're not cute. They're in my way. And their idiot parents just ran over my foot with a panzer tank--or was that just their stroller? I also despise parents who let their children cry and whine in restaurants and museums, and run loose in the already cramped quarters of shops, cafes and subway cars. Do your children a favor and teach them to respect other people and their space. You can start by taking that stroller off my foot." Clearly G. does not have kids of his own--or a whole lot of patience. Gripe back at G. below. What irks you most about people like him? You...

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Movie Review: Horton Hears a Who!

Wed Apr 2

Find out what youngsters had to say about Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Who! in this new review from our friends at Kid Picks. Plus, go to kidpicksonline.com for more reviews from kid critics.

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Review: Junie B. Jones

Mon Mar 31

While the adjective "quirky" has become a bit of a dirty word of late, it's both apt and a compliment when applied to this delightful adaptation of Barbara Park's popular series of books. In TheatreworksUSA's second revival of Junie B. Jones, the 60-minute musical chronicles the misadventures of the plucky title heroine (Jennifer Cody, who's a riot) as she tackles her biggest challenge in life: first grade. Whether pining for the good old days of kindergarten, navigating the grade-school social scene or experiencing her first crush on school chum Herbert (the adorable Blake Ginther), Jones charms her peers in the audience as well as their parents. She's manic, melodramatic and grammatically challenged, in short, a lot like a real-life six-year old. The six-person cast is top-notch (and not afraid to camp it up, when appropriate) ,and the songs of cabaret stalwarts Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich are eclectic and sophisticated. It may not be the...

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