Oh I love this. Even just my parents’ generation had way more independence. Their parents didn’t feel the need to know their exact location every moment. I miss that for my children but it’s very hard to know where to start in a city as big as London. Even crossing the road by our house seems a big step!
Thanks Catherine! It seems like a massive shift happened between our parents and us - and how our kids are being raised - big cities are a challenge for sure. In NYC, I feel like I can’t let them out of my sight as it’s so unpredictable even for a grownup. Small walkable cities and neighborhoods are ideal -but in London, I’d probably let them lead & observe from behind: crossing the street, getting a bus a few stops, going to a small grocery store, and doing tons of independent at home (in the US, the boys do their own lunches, laundry, and are starting to plan their own play dates - it’s funny they text the friends’ parents and keep me in the chain.
That is one of the many reasons that we go to the Nordics (particularly Sweden) for summer and school breaks! My 12 year old has the metro card and knows how to navigate around the city and makes friends as he goes. He LOVES the freedom and I love the safety…although the Swedes say I’m crazy for letting him do it. They say Stockholm is getting dangerous…if only they knew how I’d never let him do that in our home town!
Oh I love this. Even just my parents’ generation had way more independence. Their parents didn’t feel the need to know their exact location every moment. I miss that for my children but it’s very hard to know where to start in a city as big as London. Even crossing the road by our house seems a big step!
Thanks Catherine! It seems like a massive shift happened between our parents and us - and how our kids are being raised - big cities are a challenge for sure. In NYC, I feel like I can’t let them out of my sight as it’s so unpredictable even for a grownup. Small walkable cities and neighborhoods are ideal -but in London, I’d probably let them lead & observe from behind: crossing the street, getting a bus a few stops, going to a small grocery store, and doing tons of independent at home (in the US, the boys do their own lunches, laundry, and are starting to plan their own play dates - it’s funny they text the friends’ parents and keep me in the chain.
Have them go to the post office and get the correct postage for a package or letter.
That is one of the many reasons that we go to the Nordics (particularly Sweden) for summer and school breaks! My 12 year old has the metro card and knows how to navigate around the city and makes friends as he goes. He LOVES the freedom and I love the safety…although the Swedes say I’m crazy for letting him do it. They say Stockholm is getting dangerous…if only they knew how I’d never let him do that in our home town!