[bellona]

I posted before about the how the kids in my neighborhood are free-range and unsupervised. I've given this alot of thought because it always goes the same way - during the school year it's all good and well because we play outside all school day and then go elsewhere or inside when the kids come home. But in the summer, there's no school

This summer I"m going to try spending more time with them (hopefully having a positive influence) than avoiding them. Today my kids played with a bunch of them - in my backyard - and I told any of them that came that they were welcome to come in and play, BUT they had to follow our rules which included being polite, pleasent, respectful, kind and gentle. There were times when I had to give reminders or step in with some redirection (once I got out a book and I had all of them gathered around listening to the story...then one little boy looked at me in this

sort of way and said "you must be a teacher because you read books!"

), but over all it went pretty well. I made a point to find out all of their names and use them when speaking to them and I struck up conversations with all of them. When someone did something NOT OK, like throwing rocks or boards with nails in them at other children I told them politely, but firmly that it was a dangerous thing to do and just wasn't allowed if they wanted to play with the other kids in the yard. I was surprised at how well it worked out. I got hugs from most of them before coming in for dinner and they all asked if I would come out and play and read them stories tomorrow

I don't want to be responsible for the neighbors' kids, but honestly it seems to take alot less energy than worrying about them and trying to keep my kids away.

I'm worried about this summer though. What am I going to do with them all? I need ideas. I need activities that will be fun for kids of different ages (upwards to about 10yo) that will be cheap

If left to their own devices the kids will default to this awful game they play that's like a walking video game. People running around shooting at each other and fighting...at least when I was little there was a 'good guy' and 'bad guy' in our games...their game is basically 'let's see who can kill the most people'

:

Any ideas?

 

[Storm Bride]

Depending on the size of your yard, you can just have some game stuff on hand. DS1 and his friends have really enjoyed them the last few years....scoops & balls, badminton rackets (just cheap ones), lawn darts, frisbees - stuff like that....

 

[bellona]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storm Bride ....scoops & balls, badminton rackets (just cheap ones), lawn darts, frisbees - stuff like that....

I had these kids in mind then I read lawn darts...scary scary images.

My backyard is very small. We do have some sizable pieces of grass in our neighborhood, one is right beside my house. I was thinking that sports equiptment might be something we could supply...but these kids tend to be very rough. My ds is kinda small and last year (he was 5yo) he was full-blown tackled by an 8yo while playing catch with a football...not even football the game! Also, anything on a stick gets banged up against the cars and smacked into the little ones' heads

: That means no scoops, rackets, golf clubs, bats....

I think they could handle frisbees. Even when we have our soft rubber balls out the big ones kick them so hard and hit the little ones. I think today worked out so well because one of the first things I did when they came in my backyard was disarm them.

What are some gentle things we can do? We'll have my baby (19mo), my 4 1/2 yo and probably a couple of 2-3yos in the group of kids that's around this summer and I don't want them to get hurt.

 

[AnnasMominPA]

Hi,

Here are a couple ideas I have off the top of my head.

Side walk chalk
Bubbles with lots of different bubble tools
sand box
musical instruments - have a parade You could even have them make some of the instruments.
plant a small garden and have the childern help you maintain it. - might not work given the mix you have.
Some kind of water play

I think the reading sounds like a great idea. You could even ask the older kids to do some of the reading.

Hope this helps,
Angela

 

[Itlbokay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellona This summer I"m going to try spending more time with them (hopefully having a positive influence) than avoiding them.

I think this is a great!

Not only are you teaching your children a very valuable lesson in trying to get along with others, you are also offering the neighborhood kids an opportunity to get to know you all as well.

How sweet that you got hugs!

 

[bellona]

Thanks for the ideas, both of you. I've got some good, cheap things to do with the kids this summmer...hopefully this will keep them happy, busy and peaceful.

On a side note the kids were back as soon as they got home from school yesterday. It REALLY bothers me seeing that 3yo wandering around alone...even if I am keeping an eye out for her, but I don't want to be confrontational with the parents. So I went over yesterday, pretending I haven't seen her wandering the neighborhood alone for a while now and said "I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to make sure that you were aware that your baby is outside" in a pretty pleasant way. The dad gave me a big smile and said "oh, ya, we know...she runs all over the place. She loves to play outside!"

Then, I noticed he was following me back to my yard which I was ok with. I thought something good might come of it. The kids had been playing so nicely and listening so well...but as soon as he came over they started acting up. WTH?? I had a hard time keeping thigs under control for the remainder of the day, though towards the end it got better. I've been able to teach the kids that they may only play in my backyard when I'm there to supervise and when we came in for the night I sent them out and they listened pretty well. I'm surprised, because our backyard isn't fully fenced in.