Archive for the ‘suburbs’ Category
Let your kids explore
When I was a young kid, I had the luxury of living a block away from Carleton College. The campus was full of great spots to explore, including a pair of tiny islands rich with climbing trees and treasures to find. My parents trusted me and allowed me free license to wander (so long as I was home in time for dinner) and I am certain that I am better for it.
With the rise of suburbs and our hyper-fear culture, children are trapped. In the case of your typical suburban neighborhood, there is nothing within walking distance worth exploring. I grew up in Northfield, MN and lived within walking distance of my school, the grocery store, shops downtown, the college campus, and many of my friends. Contrast this with a suburb where the only features within a walkable radius are more houses. Until they can drive, children are forced to rely exclusively on mom and dad to chauffeur in the family SUV.
Combine this geographical limitation with the hyper-inflated sense of fear and danger in our culture today and you have a recipe for trapped, unhappy kids. But don’t take my word for it, read this article.
Filed under culture, suburbs : Comments (0) : Jun 23rd, 2007
