How to Build a Strong Neighbourhood for Kids
Knowing your neighbors is an important step in building safe and strong communities, with the added bonus of more potential for outdoor play. Children will not engage in a game of capture the flag or get well-behaved and dirty baking mud pies when they look at the sidewalks and playgrounds and see no one there. Here are a few ideas for meeting the neighbors and strengthening connections by getting people outside and visiting; In other words, how to build a strong neighborhood for kids.
How to build a strong neighborhood for kids
1) Get gardening
If you’re outside, you’re more likely to catch the neighbors arriving and departing. Even a one-minute conversation builds bonds, and the kids can play too while you have some green-fingered time. You don’t love the hobby? Instead, try hosing down or sweeping the driveway or decorating your porch.
2) Stroll around the neighborhood
Make a habit of walking around your neighborhood, which is good for your physical and mental health. Try early morning and after dinner walks and invite the whole family. Say hello to everyone, ask to pet dogs, and generally be open to casual conversation. You will meet people who live in the area and also have a great time with family.
3) Get creative on the sidewalk
Get creative with the kids using sidewalk chalk. Write hopeful messages, draw or create an Ascension Path, then play. Ask passers-by what their favorite color and animal is and then try to draw it – maybe other children from the neighborhood will join in.
4) Be the welcome car
When new people move in, show up with a welcome-to-the-neighborhood gift. It really could be a token, but it’s a chance to give an address a name and a face. You can never go wrong with edible gifts. Giving Christmas cards also helps build a community that knows and cares for everyone.
5) Walk to the bus stop or go to school with your kids
If possible, adjust your working hours flexibly to be with your children at the bus stop, or to walk or bike to school with them. You meet children and parents and can get a feel for what’s going on both in the neighborhood and at the school. Bonus – this can make for convenient rides for friends if the bus is canceled or a deadline means you can’t make the commute to school.
6) Have a street party
Put on your party planner hat and start organizing. Drop off invitations for a neighborhood party in your own apartment, on the street, or at a local park. Plan games for the kids, from catching to blowing. Make it a potluck. Encourage blending. Cast your net far and you will find that people attend, love it and make the event an annual tradition.
7) Help with outdoor work
Help clear a neighbor’s path or mow the lawn while he’s gone. Not only is it so appreciated by older adults, it opens up communication and lets people know that your neighborhood is more than just a great neighborhood for kids, it’s a caring community.
8) Set up a driveway basketball net
Even the little ones can start developing skills in basketball and this is a sport best practiced outdoors. Play with the kids for great exercise and invite the neighbors over. As the kids grow up, it’s a hobby that stays with them – don’t be surprised if teenagers take over your parking lot for hours (shhh – it’s worth it).
Strong communities are safe communities. Neighbors who know each other are more likely to let children play together outside. Children know where to turn in difficult times when their parents are not home. Long-lasting friendships develop from people who grow up close together. It may take a little effort, but be the leader in bringing together a great neighborhood for kids. It’s good for the whole block.
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Tagged under: Family, neighborhood, community, neighborhood, neighborhood for kids
Category: Security, family life, home