OK - I'm officially conflicted. I'm up and writing because I've been surprisingly bothered by a recent revelation regarding park days here in our homeschooling community. So, for the sake of shedding it's annoying grip, I had to get up and vent. This is the issue:
We moved to this community about a year ago and found it very difficult to connect with others. There are few kids at our church, few kids in our neighborhood, and requests to get together with other homeschoolers who might live in the area (via our support group e-loop) went completely unanswered.
So, we took the initiative to start a Park Day (something they had apparently done several years ago, but as their kids got older it had fizzled out). We've had a few people attend - a couple families who now know us through a science co-op we joined, and another brave soul who just "went for it" and brought her boys down to the park.
The thing that's worked its way under my skin is that I recently heard that people won't attend because they don't like the particular park we've been going to. We like it because it's very "woodsy." I'll admit the main downside is that the main bathrooms remain locked and there is only access to a porta-potty (a little-used and well-maintained one, though - my kids have no problem with it).
Now, FYI, I've expressed to those who have attended that I'm open to alternating parks - we're new to the area and don't know all the good parks around. But, I'm a bit surprised and discouraged by the criticism and suggested alternatives. It seems that the things our family likes (the outdoorsy, capture-the-flag, explorer/discovery opportunities) are an oddity. People seem to be most interested in parks with top quality bathroom facilities and play equipment. There are few - if any - trees to serve as forts or "home bases" for the games that they play (or even shade to sit under, for that matter).
Now, I have a 3 yr old so I know that bathrooms and equipment are important considerations, but even my 7 yo is already losing interest in play equipment. My 11 yo is completed disinterested in the sterile environment of some of these parks. Kids of all ages can find great inspiration and be very inventive whether or not they have a swing or a slide.
I know that we need to be vigilant over our children, but I am disappointed that we can't let them go wander through the trees - or climb one for that matter. I am responsible for making sure that I don't put them in harm's way, but I also have to give them little rein to explore, take responsibility, and trust that God is ultimately in charge (not me).
I don't mean to sound insensitive - I LOVE my kids and want desperately to protect them (in fact, I send my oldest with a walkie-talkie if he'll be out of my sight within the park; younger 2 must stay within eye- or earshot unless they're with the big kids). I could be hovering over them 24/7, yet if God says it's time for them to come home then there's nothing I can do about it. I know these are dangerous times, but I feel like we've gone overboard - we're fear-driven and err on the side of caution maybe a little too much. Parks are not just for little ones - older kids can benefit greatly from spending time outdoors, but their needs and interests are different.
Well, sorry for the lengthy rant - it was therapeutic (even if no one reads this far). Now, maybe I can sleep. Ggrrrrrrr.
Blessings
Diane