Carefree Abandon
20-08-2009
Today I was reminded of what childhood carefree abandon felt like.
As I watched my boys frolic in the water in the hot hot sun with their friends I was transported back to my childhood.
It didn’t start out that way. With Aunty Stacy at the top of the water slides, I positioned myself at the splash pool at the foot of the slides. On the lookout for anything or anyone that could cause any harm to come to our group of boys. But as the time wore on, and as I assessed that the lifeguards were indeed vigilant, and that the boys weren’t being overly rambunctious, I started to be absorbed in their adventures.
They had not a care in the world, and they committed every fiber of their beings to having FUN. You couldn’t help but chuckle out loud observing their antics. And their friendship. They created imaginary storylines. They looked out for each other. They enjoyed each others’ company. And most of all they found adventure in the most ordinary things.
Thank God.
As a child we roamed our neighbourhood – walked on roofs, climbed trees, played cricket in the street, played races in the street. Played “slow bicycle race” – slowest man wins. 
We picked cherries, and mangoes and pommecytheres. We had lip-sync competitions in the street. And hide-and-seek with an entire neighbourhood block as the hiding zone. We turned lazy tropical days into memories we will all treasure forever.
This is the childhood I wanted for my boys. But the reality has been different. In an age of kidnappings and too much TV, how do you protect your children and still give them the freedom to imagine and adventure? There’s no easy answer, but watching my boys yesterday, I made a resolution.
To my boys:
1. I promise to encourage your grand adventures… and your lasting friendships.
2. I recognize that you’re ready for more freedom, and I promise to loosen the reigns, but not to give them up completely.
I am after all, by definition, your Mom.
7 Responses to “Carefree Abandon”
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About Me
A 30-ish mother of 3 and unintentional entrepreneur, I started my own IT Consultancy firm after layoffs at my old job. I balance the world of Corporate IT with my life as Manager of the education, health and well-being of my children.
Blogging from the Caribbean, I give tech advice to moms and write about raising 3 kids under 10, one of whom has been diagnosed with Aspergers.
This is a strong and resonant post. It seems like there are so many barriers nowadays to just letting our children BE. I hope I can be brave enough to allow my boys to play freely, explore and live adventurous lives. Thanks for sharing and Happy SITS day
It's too bad kids can't just go out and play all day like we used to do. Times have changed, not always for the better. It's nice that kids can still have some carefree times at least.
Visiting from SITS.
I love to watch my kids play outside and it often reminds me of when i was a child and I had nothing to worry about – except to play & have fun!!! I agree – I wish they could have the same childhood as mine, but it is sad how things have changed….
Happy SITS day!
I've had this conversation many times with my husband and friends – how we used to go out on a summer morning, come home for lunch, head out again and not come back until dinner. We'd be in and out and up and down the street, but the parents never had to worry. It's a different world, not only for a parent who grew up that way but for kids who don't know what it means to feel that kind of freedom to just roam and not have parents worried about where they are, what they're doing, who they're talking to.
I'm visiting from SITS, too. I've loved reading your mommy moment posts as well as your other posts. You have a great way of communicating your feelings in your writings. Congrats on your SITS day!
http://www.janhickstoday.com
Happy SITS Day!
I sit on the front porch of my house and watch my boys play in the same magnolia tree I played in as a child. It's wonderful to watch their imaginations grow wild!!
http://www.frugaltractormom.blogspot.com
Hi,
Congratulations on your SITS day!
There is a bit of sadness in the way we have to parent nowadays. Like you I roamed the neighborhood on my bike, sometimes gone all day. My mother had a gong that she could clang to bring all 7 of us home for dinner. I cannot even begin to fathom not knowing where my girls are at all times. I even watch them when they go out to get the mail!
Yet, at the same time, I try to give them adventure. And we have had a lifetime's worth. My oldest girl just went off to college this year. And even though it tore my heart out to have her leave, she is thriving and happy in her new big world.
So, I guess we Mommas are doing something right.
Great post.
Thank you for your poignant post. It certainly generated many touching comments. But above all, cherish every moment with your children. Pretty soon they will be grown and you will wonder where did those cute little kids go ***smile***
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