Perhaps if my daughter was older (she's 3 1/2) she'd get more into this cd. But frankly, there's not enough "music" and it simply doesn't keep her interested. Even I, who had it as a child find myself fast forwarding through it. Save this one for the over 7 set.

This is a great compilation of songs! "Free to Be..." can be enjoyed by parents and children alike. I think that the messages weaved within these songs are great ones for kids (and adults!) to hear - they challenge male and female stereotypes. At the same time, the songs remind us that there are natural differences b/t us, too (girls "can't be daddies, or grandpas" and William gets a doll so that he can be a great dad someday). The messages are sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious, but all of the songs have a fun beat and stories that kids can relate to.

Its partly because of the messages of this embarrassing farce that we had and still have emasculated female-sympathizing young men who are unable to recognize their own worth or potential as males.This production introduced the absurd notion that its okay for boys to play with dolls and to be raised like girls(see william`s doll).We know today that this does not work and that these boys end up very unhappy,passive and lacking in self-confidence.Dont just take my word for it,look at the research.

"Free to be...." should be a yard-sale trifle, too corny for consideration as anything other than baby-boomer nostalgia.

If only...

We live in a time when the word "free" is subject to daily, fanciful redefinition, and even a cartoon sponge arouses suspicion.

The gentle lessons of "Free to Be..." are more relevant than ever. And they're political dynamite, as proved by the nasty reviews seen occasionally below.

Get this disc to remember. Get it for your kids, none of whom may ever have the luxury of taking tolerance for granted, as some of us did in an abbreviated era when cultural moments like "Free to Be..." helped heal the past, and made the future seem infinitely bright.

Belated cheers to Marlo and all participating artists. At this point in our decline and fall, I've begun to take down names...

I think it's funny that so many reviewers who didn't like this album (and yes in the 70's they were albums) refer to those of us who DO give high reviews as hippies. I have news for you. Children of the 70s were not hippies, their parents were. I was born in the early 70s, my teenage years were in the 80s and my young adulthood was in the 90s. I really don't qualify as a hippie in any way, shape or form.
Having said that, I still have my old album, which I saved all these years because this was my absolute favorite album of all time! (I no longer have a record player, but the album lives on!) I loved these songs so much as a child. I remember the movie we used to watch in school. They are such wonderful memories. Twenty something years later, I found the cd and purchased it immediately. I now sing and play these songs for my baby. True, the songs are somewhat dated. The 70s were very big on feminism and equality - but is that such a bad message? Plus, as a child, I didn't pay attention to the message, just to the silliness and the catchy tunes. I had no idea who Alan Alda, Carol Channing, and Marlo Thomas were. When I sing these songs to my son now, it's not becaue I want to raise a budding feminist, but because I loved it so much and I would love to share my fond memories. And if he doesn't enjoy it as much as I did, that's ok too.

PS - for other 30-somethings who want to relive another childhood memory - check out the School House Rock series (DVDs, Cd's etc)... another cheesy 70s tool to educate our children about grammar, science, politics, etc. (I'm sort of embarassed to admit this but most of what I know about how a bill is passed through Congress comes from the "I'm just a bill" song.)