Worst Cities

@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
May 29, 2008 7:04am CST
It did not come as a shock to me when I heard on this morning's news that my city took the #4 spot on the list of worst cities in which to raise kids. I couldn't help thinking that maybe this would serve as a wake-up call to our city officials that steps need to be taken in order to remedy this situation-and quickly. All I constantly hear is how the city is making improvements to attract visitors, etc., while very little resources go into making this a great place in which to raise a family. I think the underlying reason is because those who can afford to live outside the city limits. Have you ever worried over whether or not your city can pass muster in regards to raising your children? I think it is something that should concern us all-especially parents and grandparents. I would like your opinion, please.
1 person likes this
7 responses
• United States
1 Jun 08
may I ask, which city is no.1?I am not a parent but I guess if I were this list would be something to check out.But these days people move all the time . And parents are choosing to home school so this list may not make people move or improve the town as fast if they Had to send Johnny or Jane to the public school. And these days the kids are inside more than out so the parents that would have met in the park or at the playground don't meet at all. Back in the dark ages when I was young, my mom was friends with my best friend's mom.My friend and I played all day outside and would stay over at each other's houses.So if something happened in the neighborhood, my mom Knew about it. but then again she was a stay at home mom.These days both parents are working so long and hard. The kids stay home and play video games so there is a disconnect. I bet most parents don't know their town was rated so low.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Jun 08
You only have to drive through some of the neighborhoods in my city, sarah, to see the depressed states first-hand. I forget which city scored #1 but it is hard for me to imagine a worst place than this for raising kids. While it's true that many neighbors are not "neighborly" anymore there are quite a few areas that do have sectors where people stay in touch.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Jun 08
Thank you for best response.
@whittby (3072)
• United States
1 Jun 08
We have relocated so many times. I looked at school and quality of living statistics and we tried to make choices about where to live in the area based on that. Actually, what it came down to a lot was where we could afford to live and the best place from there. While the crime statistics are all important, there are other factors we had to look at. Even though the school was decent, what was the percentage of minority students - did I want my kid in a school where he was one of the half of 1%? I looked at the proximity of parks and rec programs, and other stuff. Years ago, before the Internet, it was hard to choose a location and it was what we could see from a quick tour and luck and of the draw.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Jun 08
I agree, whittby, that it is often pretty much of a toss-up but having the simplest of resources available for all kids should not be such a hard thing to accomplish. Sadly, there are many families who do not have the luxury of picking and choosing the neighborhoods in which they have to raise their kids.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
29 May 08
It is scary. I think it should open some eyes, although I am not sure how reliable those lists are.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Jun 08
Looking at it from my viewpoint, Thoroughrob, my city's assessment is very accurate. That old saying about the children being the future is very true and I don't know when those in power will realize it.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
29 May 08
I think there is alot of things happening in all cities but they only do reports on some of them and turn them in for the public to view and see. I think the officials needed to do something for the whole nation as a whole. I have noticed that it is very hard to raise my child in the area we live in. We live way out in the country and it is worse here than what it was when we lived in town.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Jun 08
As so often happens, stephcjh, the events that are taking place in the cities are spilling over into the countryside. I have seen this happen in other places also.
@mummymo (23706)
29 May 08
That is a very good point worldwise! Surely families and children should come first before tourism - unless extra revenue from tourism would make the city more affluent and improve employment prospects which would in turn benefit all the residents of your city. I am quite happy with where I live - it is a large town/small city and I live on the outskirts of town - we are very lucky I know as although there are disadvantaged areas there are also a lot of services provided! xxx
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Jun 08
You are very fortunate indeed, mummymo, and I can attest to the fact that my city is on the way down with huge job losses and people moving to other parts of the country.
@celia4evr (209)
• United States
30 May 08
I understand it is a major concern to you how such a small city could get such a horrible rating. But I feel like these problems exist no matter where you go! There is a huge breakdown in society (lack of morals, values, ethics, etc). It's getting beyond the point of control. I am so discouraged to be a parent raising a child this day in time. It's going to take alot of shaking up for the appropriate action to take course in that city.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Jun 08
I don't see it happening anytime soon, celia4evr, since we have not had the kind of leadership locally that we need for quite some time. The city leaders are out of tune with the needs of the people.
@julyteen (13252)
• Davao, Philippines
20 Jun 08
i think in raising a child, parent's guidance are the most important things than anything else. if the parents shows love to his kids and is not afraid of discipling them in love, growing a child won't be that difficult. the bible said, train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. if the parents would just apply this principle, i think your city won't be on the list of the worst cities in which to raise a kid.