Community is absolutely the answer. Because the one point that I haven't seen reflected is how rare it can be to actually know kids outside of your kids' age ranges if you aren't intentional about building that community. I've had babysitters for my kids, who were my friend's older kids. But I've also noticed how rare that can be. If, fo…
Community is absolutely the answer. Because the one point that I haven't seen reflected is how rare it can be to actually know kids outside of your kids' age ranges if you aren't intentional about building that community. I've had babysitters for my kids, who were my friend's older kids. But I've also noticed how rare that can be. If, for example, you start having kids at 30+ and live in a place where most people start having kids soon after high school or college, you might not know those teens well enough to feel comfortable with them or for their parents to feel comfortable sending their kid to your house, even for a job. A lot of parents can be insular, preferring to make friends based off school, which will shut you out if your kids are younger and closer in age.
yeah, this is so so so real. Birthday parties don't help. (lol fucking birthday parties! a whole sub thread! why do we worry more about how many flavors of seltzer we stock in the cooler than whether there are activities that don't require our and 15 other adults' direct supervision?!)
anyway I still can't get over the annual bday party one of my bestie throws where she invites all the important kids in her kiddo's life, which has been a mixed-age neighborhood crew since birth. and it's just kickball at the walkable park. Without fail every year some parent expresses confusion about "what's happening" as if we need an agenda, and wonders aloud "who these kids are" because they're not in their kid's school class, etc. ahhh! so silly! and also sad!
Community is absolutely the answer. Because the one point that I haven't seen reflected is how rare it can be to actually know kids outside of your kids' age ranges if you aren't intentional about building that community. I've had babysitters for my kids, who were my friend's older kids. But I've also noticed how rare that can be. If, for example, you start having kids at 30+ and live in a place where most people start having kids soon after high school or college, you might not know those teens well enough to feel comfortable with them or for their parents to feel comfortable sending their kid to your house, even for a job. A lot of parents can be insular, preferring to make friends based off school, which will shut you out if your kids are younger and closer in age.
yeah, this is so so so real. Birthday parties don't help. (lol fucking birthday parties! a whole sub thread! why do we worry more about how many flavors of seltzer we stock in the cooler than whether there are activities that don't require our and 15 other adults' direct supervision?!)
anyway I still can't get over the annual bday party one of my bestie throws where she invites all the important kids in her kiddo's life, which has been a mixed-age neighborhood crew since birth. and it's just kickball at the walkable park. Without fail every year some parent expresses confusion about "what's happening" as if we need an agenda, and wonders aloud "who these kids are" because they're not in their kid's school class, etc. ahhh! so silly! and also sad!