We played outside all the time as kids (I consider my "childhood" to be Fort Ord, where the mild weather was a boon for outside play). Dad constructed a tree fort with two zip lines going to different trees, a jungle gym, and the "rings" -- a maypole-like construction from which four big metal rings hung; you grabbed a ring and ran round the pole until you were swinging. The next-door neighbor boys had a sandpit we dug forts in, though later I learned that one of them would use the sandpit as a potty! (His mother must have suffered from depression because she supposedly locked herself in -- and the boys out of -- the bathroom to cry.) We walked ourselves to school, down a long dirt path we called "Stinker Bug Trail" because of the bugs that would raise their rears & pass gas at you if you nudged them. We knocked on strangers doors to sell Girl Scout cookies (though I made Meta do the talking because I was too shy!).
I know that today the world is more dangerous. But I also feel like kids need to feel free to roam and to play, exploring the world.
Am I just super naive? nostalgic? idealistic?
So this isn't "outside play" -- I don't have any of those photos in digital format. Still, a gigantic box makes a pretty cool fort when you're little!
5 comments:
We were really blessed growing up and being such free kids. I think it's tragic we even have to worry about this now, but it is our reality now.
I agree completely. I would really love to give Jaron more time outside but that usually involves me to be outside monitoring him. Between people driving fast down our road, strange people walking by, and Jaron's own curiosity, I never feel likes it's safe for him to be outside by himself. I remember as a child spending countless hours outside usually unaccompanied.
I love wathcing my kids play outside and explore the world. they are so free and creative. it is so fascinating.
Couldn't a gree more! We just put up a fence, so Grant can go outside and play at his liesure. I think society in general needs to be outside more!
Hi! I'm the main person behind Playborhood.com. I'm thrilled that you've found us and like us.
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Solutions: An Overview
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