Just Be A Kid

Do you ever take a moment to think about when you were a kid?  Depending on your age, your family dynamics, neighborhood or environment, it could make your memory different from someone else.

I remember when it was fun being a kid.  Playing in the park, (safely), the games of kick ball, softball, jacks and ball, jumping rope, hopscotch, etc.

Learning how to dribble a basketball without the need to know for competitive reasons, just simply to have a game, for the enjoyment of playing.

Times Have Changed

Sometimes I feel sorry for the children of today.  They have so many battles to face than we did in my era, and even the era after me.

With social media being ever present, the need to ‘socially accepted’ far outweighs what we experienced.

Family life challenges of these times have caused children to grow up so fast.  Their experiences are far beyond what their minds can handle.

Being overly bombarded with adult responsibilities has caused them to miss out on being ‘a kid’. Children having children, children having to care for their younger siblings has proven to be detrimental to them experiencing and enjoying childhood, or just being a kid.

They have had to listen to ‘grown up’ conversations or have been allowed to listen and comment.  Back in the day, that was a definite No, no! 

And now we’re wondering how we got here.

What Can We Do About It?

I am not an advocate for bringing up an issue or problem and leaving it on the table without a solution. Let’s look at what we can do now to correct this problem so that our children can have the opportunity to just be a kid.

Let me begin by saying, I don’t think it’s going to happen overnight.  But with determination and heartfelt desires we can make it happen, one child at a time.

1. We can first apologize to the children that we have tasked with taking on more responsibility than they can handle. 
2. We can take back the responsibilities we have given to them.  (Now this is going to look different for each individual and family.)
3. We can also give them back their childhood by allowing them to be kids.  Let me cry without telling them to be ‘a big girl’ or a ‘big boy’. 
4. Take them to the park and play with them.  If not physically able to play with them, watch and engage with them as they play.
5. Create a space and time for the children to share their day with you.  This encourages a relationship with trust and freedom from judgement.
6. Schedule play dates with their friends.  And let them play.
7. Share with them the fun or games you played as a child. 

How will you personally take responsibility for allowing your children, grandchildren, to be kids again?  Please leave some comments.  

Picture credit-Eye For Ebony @unsplash.com