Childhood Memories
By Susan
@HazySue (39264)
Gouverneur, New York
July 6, 2017 11:42am CST
My childhood was spent outside in the fresh air with other children in our neighborhood playing dodge ball, softball, swimming, and bike riding, among other things. The point is, whatever we were doing was done outside.
The kids on the block would all gather together, boys and girls to divide into teams, run around yelling and laughing and having the best time. We were acting like the crazy kids we were.
Every now and then a small group of us, 3 or 4 kids, would jump on our bikes and ride around looking for empty soda bottles. There was a small country store about a half mile away that would give us two cents per bottle. Because we lived in an area that was more country than city, we would find a bottle here and there along the road.
With this money we received we would all manage to get a piece or two of the penny candy that was sold in the little store. We had a ball. We didn't have to worry about the things the kids of today have to look out for.
We felt safe running around our neighborhood. No one approached us in a threatening manner. We knew everyone in that area and our parents trusted that we were safe. so they were happy to let us roam.
Everyday seemed to be filled with fun, games, and friends. We were so busy that we didn't have time to get in trouble. There was no whining about being bored. We were too busy to be bored.
I am sorry that todays kids are missing, for the most part the fun and freedom we had as kids. It's a scary world out there these day. Our children are missing out on so much.
12 people like this
13 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Jul 17
When I was a kid it was the same way. My parents were the most protective parents out there but we were allowed to play with our neighborhood friends.
The one thing I love about this area we live in is it is a good area for the most part-aside from mean cat lady but she isn't dangerous.
My kids do play in the court with their neighbor friends. They play basketball, tag, hide and seek, etc. We are really going to miss this place. =(
6 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Jul 17
@marlina Yup, unfortunately we have no choice. =(
4 people like this
@popciclecold (35111)
• United States
10 Jul 17
You don't even see kids playing outside anymore.
2 people like this
@HazySue (39264)
• Gouverneur, New York
11 Jul 17
@popciclecold I certainly don't see them outdoors. It's sad.
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
6 Jul 17
Some kids today don't even realize ''outside" exists...If we see a kid outside we say, "Look at that kid does he/she realize they are out in the sunshine?"
4 people like this
@HazySue (39264)
• Gouverneur, New York
7 Jul 17
@abbyGreenhill you do sometimes have to wonder if the kids of today know what fresh air is.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57914)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Jul 17
@HazySue I worry about the disconnect from real life with the up coming generations. When I was a kid, the story books featured animals and outdoor adventures. Now, like someone said on the radio, the kids connect with technology more than animals and such. Quite tragic.
2 people like this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
6 Jul 17
I grew up here where i live.. we were almost always outside, riding bikes, rollerskating, skateboarding, hula hooping, playing with bubbles and chalk, water balloons, hoses and pools, washing the car, playing tag and red light green light, etc. It was also safe for us. And that was just 10 years ago. Porbably still is here, but most parents keep there kids inside now a days. Even when its nice out.
3 people like this
@popciclecold (35111)
• United States
7 Jul 17
Ah, I remember days like that. We had the same kind of childhood.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159105)
• Boise, Idaho
7 Jul 17
I think this very same thing often. I lived at my grandparents when I was a small child. Mom worked. And the neighborhood kids and I would play around the neighborhood. I wish my grandkids could have had a childhood like I did. Not have to feel like we needed to check on them constantly like we do now.
2 people like this
@prashu228 (37526)
• India
6 Jul 17
I agree, I grew up in city ,those days were safe. I always used to play outside. There were only outdoor activities most of the time. Now I see my niece and nephew , so sad only cellphone and tablets , no other world..
2 people like this
@marlina (154166)
• Canada
6 Jul 17
I had basically the same experience than you.
I remember finding soda bottles and selling them. It was fun.
We played outside all the time: we were 6 kids in the house and most of our neighbors had about the same amount of children . So that made for a lot of friends.
2 people like this
@CookieMonster46 (13447)
• United States
6 Jul 17
I think the times have changed for the works, during those times we didn't have kidnapping not as much as today you could go out play, and be back when your mom yelled for you, all kids were out side.
Even with electronics, that our kids have today, I think they are busy with school sports and activities no time for that extra play.
I remember those times too , ll the neighborhood kids were out we had fun, no better times than those times..
2 people like this
@CookieMonster46 (13447)
• United States
7 Jul 17
@HazySue like the ones who are not allowed to do much. stay in all the time..
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
26 Jun 18
@CookieMonster46 Maybe the parents don't want the kids to go outside. Some of the parents work and do not know what the kids are doing.
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
26 Jun 18
I grew up in a large city and we all stayed outside after school after we got our chores done. My parents both worked full time but I always had my chores down in time when the got home and still had time to play. I think a lot of people work now a days and don't have a clue what their kids are doing. Sometimes all it takes is one kid that leads the other kids to do things they shouldn't be doing.
1 person likes this
