An interesting NYTimes article on a new look at playground design and asks these fundamental questions:
How much help do children need to do what should come naturally? And to what extent does expert guidance � embodied by the so-called play workers � represent adults� expectations of children, rather than what the youngsters themselves want or need?
My brother and I played with lawn darts. He also bounced me off the teeter-totter at the drive-in. I hit him over the head with a croquet mallet. I also put a dog leash and collar on him and walked him around the neighbourhood. I think kids today are wusses. (And I'm a parent, so I'm allowed to say that.) I think we should give them a more-or-less safe environment and let them work things out for themselves.
Posted by: Jayne at January 17, 2007 10:14 AMI agree with Jayne. My siblings and I did a lot of rotten things to eachother when we were young, but I love them more for it. (And it's a great laugh now.) I take a similar approach with my children, and it seems to be working. I now have four very unique, strong children because of it. Kids today are too sheltered, they don't need spectacular playground, just an imagination and a few manners.
P.S. Andrea, I love your site. I check it out a few times a week and think you are hilarious!
