Back then growing up in my social environment we played “hide-and-seek”
which was a very popular game in the hood.
One person would close his or her eyes, count to ten and then seek the
other hiders. The first one who is found
is the next seeker. Other simplistic
games such as “Monkey in the Middle,” “Tag Football” or building a tree house were
universal to a wide range of kids in different neighborhoods. Then you had some games strictly dedicated to
girls like “Hop Scotch” and “Double Dutch.”
Working parents did not worry too much because these particular
activities kept us out of trouble. The “YMCA,”
“Boys and Girls Club” just a mile across town “The Q-House” memberships were very affordable
(roughly $20/mo.), had flexible hours for working parents to pick up their kids
after work even on the weekends. It was
amazing, kids socializing with each other, positive mentors available to
assist you with homework and guiding you in the right direction. Today with advanced technology combined with high
cost programs it forces a child to mature faster.
Face to face contact is now replace with headsets to play online with
their friends, virtual games eliminates the social aspect with one another,
this causes isolation. “The YMCA,” Boys
and Girls Club” programs now go by your household income level so if a single
parent is working two jobs just to support his or her own he/she may have to
pay a substantial rate even if additional assistance is approved. Kids now have smart phones, tablets, laptops
along with other electronic devices which expose them to more adult themes. Positive mentors are now competing with
Little Trey’s favorite drama show “The Wire” which provides realism in the hood
and provides an alternative view on how kids his age should behave. It is never too late to reject these cultural
ideas. My advice to parents would be,
don’t allow your child to grow up to fast.
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