The Southwest Voice

All > Schools
From the Chalkboard: Set aside time for family activities
Topics:
Anonymous user Tue Mar 21, 2006 12:46:55 PST
Viewed 294 times
1 response 0 comments My, but how time flies!  It’s an old saying but never more true in today’s fast-paced world.  Before we know it our kids are grown and out on their own.  Most parents realize the importance of close family ties, but with the hectic pace most families are living these days there is little time for quality time at home, let alone quantity time.  At some point we will look back wondering if maybe something was missing.

My growing up years were much different and simpler than today.  Not near the distractions and activities that vie for children’s attention now.  I’ve tried to extol the virtues of my childhood activities with my grandkids, but they appear incredulous that life could have been much fun.

Today’s kids know little of playing baseball in the street with the neighbor kids, playing hide-and-go-seek, riding in the annual bicycle parade, playing Parcheesi, Monopoly, Chinese Checkers, Red Rover or Mother-May-I.  We listened to radio shows like the Lone Ranger, Green Hornet,  The Shadow, and Sergeant Preston of the Yukon on our crystal sets.  We neighborhood kids had a club...The “Lions Secret Service.”  No special purpose, but we always served glazed donuts and an RC Cola for all three members.  Building a tree house, or a scooter made of a soda pop case and roller skates for transportation was lots of fun.  Riding bicycles from east Bakersfield to downtown was a great event...being careful not to get stuck in the streetcar tracks.  We were never bored and enjoyed life.  Neighborhood parents acted as extended family and had authority to discipline any kid on the block.

Fast forwarding to today, kids are into much different activities which require a chair and a screen.  Video games, Xbox, portable DVD’s, Game Boys, Play Station 1, 2, 3, and 4, I pods, internet and the list is endless.  Add to that music and dance lessons, sports leagues of all kinds for all ages including preschool kids, homework, television, movies, birthday parties every week or so, field trips, and church activities to name a few.

There is nothing inherently evil about many of these diversions.  They do, however, occupy a child’s time that could be spent with other more productive and important activities...namely, family activities.  Time set aside can work quite well.  Family dinner hour around the table (not TV trays), evening games with a bowl of popcorn, a family video (G-rated if you can find one), caring for a pet, raking leaves, washing the car, creative arts, planning a family vacation, or simply just talking.

I know it sounds impossible. Life can be hectic. But always remember, when it comes to spending time with your kids, you only have a short number of years.  The rewards can be great - for you and them.  If you haven’t done enough, don’t waste time feeling guilty,  just get started - it’s never too late to be the best parent possible.

Dick Ferris
Superintendent
STOCKDALE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation