So, do kids in Maine play outside? (neighborhood, school)

[Elcarim]

Originally Posted by Elcarim

When my oldest was 14, I VERY reluctantly opted to let her walk to a friend's house, only 3 1/2 blocks down our street. I could see her the whole way, so it would prabably be ok. I stood on the edge of the driveway to watch. To my complete horror, two blocks into her trip, a man in a brown pickup truck stopped and offered her a ride. I saw her turn and point to me as I started rapidly toward her, and he sped off.

That's where we live now. There are many reasons children don't get to be outside as they should, and it's really sad. We CAN change some of those and should!

I guess I need to spell out what I was getting at......................It's so nice that there are still places like Maine where children CAN play outside unattended. That certainly is NOT a way of life in our part of Texas.

[mommax3plus2]

not while basketball season is in full swing

[RANGER.101ST]

do maine kids play out side??nope we keep them locked up untill its time for them to do chores once they are done back in the basement they go.

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by RANGER.101ST

do maine kids play out side??nope we keep them locked up untill its time for them to do chores once they are done back in the basement they go.

There's one way to keep em' out of trouble, Ranger!

I used to lock mine in the closet though.

[RANGER.101ST]

Originally Posted by island mermaid

There's one way to keep em' out of trouble, Ranger!

I used to lock mine in the closet though.

i think every kid should come with a shock coller and when they screw up or dont do what you said zzzzzzzzap.and to let them know you are allways waching . zap them at 3 in the morning just to let them know who's boss.

[Chandler85]

Growing up in Vegas I always wanted to see snow - However - no one ever told me that it was cold! What a disappointment *calls his therapist*

[peachie_in_maine]

Originally Posted by mainegirl

When I was a kid living in Maine we played outside all the time. There were so many ponds and lakes to go ice skating on. Good memories !

I was never inside unless it was a rainstorm or devasiating snow blizzard. I could count on my hand how many times a friend saw my bedroom before the age of 10. Kids came over and bam out doors was the only option.(mom cleaned and she didn't want a home destroyed by PBJ fingerprints all over the house.

My kids are pretty much good at being in and outdoors. Yesterday I had to beg my daughter to COME IN... the sun was going down and she was begging to slide a bit longer.

but... right now.. she's playing a game in the house.

[happyfamily1912d]

What a sad post! I read the first couple pages and related to every sentiment. Things do seem to be changing.

I grew up in Maine, and spent my entire childhood outside, from the minute I got out of school until dinner, and then out again until homework time. I remember staying inside--during the coldest days in winter--it was mind-numbingly boring! TV got old--all 3 channels of it--very quickly. This was in the 70s--no cable, no video games or computer. The only time I was inside during summer was when the Red Sox were on. My best memories are of exploring the woods around my house, riding bikes through fields with friends, etc. Everyone seemed to be more like Huckleberry Finn in those days!

Like everyone else, I've noticed that kids seem more sedentary now, or else more "managed" than I remember. Summer vacation for our kids sure is different, there are very few neighborhood kids that aren't always enrolled in some activity somewhere, or else "on the go" with mom all summer long. Going out in the morning when the bus is coming, you see moms lined up in their cars, parked in with their 4th-grade boys waiting at the corner for the bus to come, a whole 200ft. from their house. In perfect weather. In a great, safe neighborhood.

Kids seem to be overly coddled, and/or "kept" by this ever-increasing indoor/tv/computer lifestyle. It's sad.

[chaosX5]

Originally Posted by RANGER.101ST

i think every kid should come with a shock coller and when they screw up or dont do what you said zzzzzzzzap.and to let them know you are allways waching . zap them at 3 in the morning just to let them know who's boss.

I think there may be a market for this!

(from the mom of 5 boys)

[forest beekeeper]

Chains in the basement, shock collars for when they come up from the basement, and fed with a slingshot, does sound interesting.