A big impediment to a Nineties Summer is the guilt that looms over every single parental action. Obviously Screens Are Evil and Sugar Is Evil (pretty sure both of those things were big parts of actual 90s summers). But also, I feel guilty every time my kids are bored, or left to their own devices, or "cooped up" (even if they are perfectly happy doing art or something) inside. Because Kids Should Have Fun and Quality Time Is Important and Outside Play is the Best.
Once upon a time, it seemed like it was okay for parents to enjoy summer, or to get things done over the summer, and kids fit their own business around the needs and priorities of their grown-ups. Part of me thinks this may have actually been better for them.
We're leaning into nineties summer as much as possible--well, after tomorrow when the kids will FINALLY be out of school. My kids are so much happier and confident when given the opportunity to do things on their own, and I'M much happier too. We have the Tin Can, and I've convinced the parents in one of my child's circles to get them too. I'm hoping that will help them handle their own logistics when it comes to bike rides and playdates. We're also testing out the Bot Talk, which is a screen-free GPS tracker with the ability to send back voice messages. It originated in Japan, where kids are given much more independence than they are here. It's really more for me and my own peace of mind when it comes to my 8 year old who is my "wild child." I don't feel the need to get one for almost 10 year old because he's my rule follower. Fingers crossed they'll stay out of my hair so I can get some writing done!
The bikes. :D In our neighborhood, we have very narrow roads with cars parked everywhere and e-bikes zipping like crazy. Last month I discovered a new threat I didn't know I needed to worry about. Someone driving their Tesla through our neighborhood while two-hand texting... Um, get your hands on the wheel. I've seen the Mark Rober videos where he tested self-driving cars. Save that for the highway, not where kids are running around and weaving in and out of parked cars.
Gah, yes to the lack of confidence in drivers! Especially the way people are also on their phones while driving! I tell my kids all the time that I trust them to be safe, but I don't trust other people to look out for them.
I also agree that it is mentally taxing exhausting to coordinate and plan everything! I was lamenting with a mom at the grocery store yesterday that no one has home phones anymore, so it's up to the parents to find a way to swap numbers and then call/ text/ etc. to organize the kids getting together. I'm very close to getting one of those "kid phone landlines" (through Pinwheel, Tin Can, or Wiley) just so my kids can learn and have that freedom.
Loved this. I do wonder, though: Are local family events filling that need for the 90s summer we all crave? I curate a weekend events newsletter for parents of little kids here in Northern Westchester and honestly I don't remember having EIGHTY local family events for my 90s parents to take us to on the weekend. I mean, it could just be about where we lived (Central PA) but my theory is that all the local venues, libraries, historical societies, town parks depts. etc. are filling that need of providing spaces to allow neighbors to be in a low-key space together again (Food Truck Fridays, World Cup watch parties, mural painting events, etc). Just a theory.
My kids are older now but throughout their elementary/tween/teen years we participated in a large multi-family yurt camping trip where we took over a campground and they rode bikes with their friends, played cards at each other’s sites and raced to play at the beach. It was safe enough that they just checked in with parents from time to time. They LOVED it and for just a week enjoyed a little slice of freedom 90s-style.
A big impediment to a Nineties Summer is the guilt that looms over every single parental action. Obviously Screens Are Evil and Sugar Is Evil (pretty sure both of those things were big parts of actual 90s summers). But also, I feel guilty every time my kids are bored, or left to their own devices, or "cooped up" (even if they are perfectly happy doing art or something) inside. Because Kids Should Have Fun and Quality Time Is Important and Outside Play is the Best.
Once upon a time, it seemed like it was okay for parents to enjoy summer, or to get things done over the summer, and kids fit their own business around the needs and priorities of their grown-ups. Part of me thinks this may have actually been better for them.
We're leaning into nineties summer as much as possible--well, after tomorrow when the kids will FINALLY be out of school. My kids are so much happier and confident when given the opportunity to do things on their own, and I'M much happier too. We have the Tin Can, and I've convinced the parents in one of my child's circles to get them too. I'm hoping that will help them handle their own logistics when it comes to bike rides and playdates. We're also testing out the Bot Talk, which is a screen-free GPS tracker with the ability to send back voice messages. It originated in Japan, where kids are given much more independence than they are here. It's really more for me and my own peace of mind when it comes to my 8 year old who is my "wild child." I don't feel the need to get one for almost 10 year old because he's my rule follower. Fingers crossed they'll stay out of my hair so I can get some writing done!
I hear you on being exhausted. Summer is double duty time for parents!
The bikes. :D In our neighborhood, we have very narrow roads with cars parked everywhere and e-bikes zipping like crazy. Last month I discovered a new threat I didn't know I needed to worry about. Someone driving their Tesla through our neighborhood while two-hand texting... Um, get your hands on the wheel. I've seen the Mark Rober videos where he tested self-driving cars. Save that for the highway, not where kids are running around and weaving in and out of parked cars.
Gah, yes to the lack of confidence in drivers! Especially the way people are also on their phones while driving! I tell my kids all the time that I trust them to be safe, but I don't trust other people to look out for them.
I also agree that it is mentally taxing exhausting to coordinate and plan everything! I was lamenting with a mom at the grocery store yesterday that no one has home phones anymore, so it's up to the parents to find a way to swap numbers and then call/ text/ etc. to organize the kids getting together. I'm very close to getting one of those "kid phone landlines" (through Pinwheel, Tin Can, or Wiley) just so my kids can learn and have that freedom.
Loved this. I do wonder, though: Are local family events filling that need for the 90s summer we all crave? I curate a weekend events newsletter for parents of little kids here in Northern Westchester and honestly I don't remember having EIGHTY local family events for my 90s parents to take us to on the weekend. I mean, it could just be about where we lived (Central PA) but my theory is that all the local venues, libraries, historical societies, town parks depts. etc. are filling that need of providing spaces to allow neighbors to be in a low-key space together again (Food Truck Fridays, World Cup watch parties, mural painting events, etc). Just a theory.
My kids are older now but throughout their elementary/tween/teen years we participated in a large multi-family yurt camping trip where we took over a campground and they rode bikes with their friends, played cards at each other’s sites and raced to play at the beach. It was safe enough that they just checked in with parents from time to time. They LOVED it and for just a week enjoyed a little slice of freedom 90s-style.