It all feels like a vicious cycle! Without good, walkable public spaces, parks and playgrounds, people are more inclined to choose a private version of that (i.e. a yard).
Also, what parents/kids get in a yard is a place they can be safely without constant supervision. We also need the attitude that kids can be unsupervised without it being automatically neglect or a safety issue. And for kids to have freedom to be kids in public spaces--pick a flower, dig a hole, climb a tree, throw a rock in the pond, have a meltdown--without it being seen as some kind of intolerable breach of the peace.
You make a really interesting point about pushing back on this idea that kids “need” a yard. I would guess you don’t hear that as much in Europe
It all feels like a vicious cycle! Without good, walkable public spaces, parks and playgrounds, people are more inclined to choose a private version of that (i.e. a yard).
Also, what parents/kids get in a yard is a place they can be safely without constant supervision. We also need the attitude that kids can be unsupervised without it being automatically neglect or a safety issue. And for kids to have freedom to be kids in public spaces--pick a flower, dig a hole, climb a tree, throw a rock in the pond, have a meltdown--without it being seen as some kind of intolerable breach of the peace.