Posts Tagged ‘neighborhood’

Neighborhood Play

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
As you know, we move around a lot being in the military. So when we moved last year we looked for a street with less traffic so our kids could play safely outside. We live in a small cul-de-sac with fewer than ten homes on it. We have good friends who live down the street and they come over a lot, but their only child is an infant. Our boys love to play with other kids and up until now they have always played with our friend’s kids at social gatherings or organized play dates.

Jack’s classmate, Zoey, and her older brother live next door, but we do not know their family very well. Jack and Tate saw them riding bikes and scooters and begged to go play with them. I sent the boys out on their bikes and introduced myself to Zoey’s mother.  She was very polite.  Unlike Zoey’s mother, I am not comfortable with Jack or Tate roaming the neighborhood without watching, so I stayed out front and did some yard work while they played. All the children played well and they made the most of a gorgeous spring day. The kids ended up playing in our back yard later that afternoon.  Luckily, Zoey and her brother are very nice and well-mannered, which makes it easier for me to send the boys out to play.  Since I don’t know Zoey or her mother very well, I’m a little apprehensive about sending Jack over to her house to play.  This is another learning experience for both Jack and me.

When I grew up, I was outside all day-every day with my neighbors.  In fact, most of my childhood memories involve our swing set, playing games in a neighbor’s yard, sleep-overs, and riding my bike around the block.  I want my kids to have the same memories and ability to go out and climb a tree with their neighbor friends.  However,  it makes me a little nervous letting Jack roam around someone’s house of whom I don’t know very well.  I hope to get to know Zoey’s mother better over the next few weeks and for her to do the same.

Also, as summer approaches I’m sure we’ll have many knocks at our door asking if the boys can play.  I have no problem with this because I want my kids enjoying the outdoors with their friends, but at some point we need to have just family time.  It’s hard to explain that to my children because in their minds playing at their house with friends is so convenient and fun at all times of the day.  Allowing certain times of the day to play with friends will hopefully provide a balance of friend and family time.  I’m curious:  What do you do at your house?  Do you set limits?  Or is summer an endless free-for-all?