Growing up in 1970’s…scratch that…1980’s (wink) Brooklyn was quite a unique experience, especially in the summer months. I remember waking up before the sun prepared to bake the ground, maybe even skipping breakfast, and running straight for the garage. It was like kid heaven in there! Bikes, roller skates, jump ropes, balls, etc.…you can never say you were bored. Up and down the driveway we would ride our bikes until temps hit 90+ and your feet sunk into the asphalt. Then it was either time to turn on the “Johnny Pumps” (what we call fire hydrants in this neck of the woods) or, if you were lucky enough to have one, jump in the pool. Ours was 3 feet and, yes, some have been known to jump from the garage roof into that 3’ pool…without incident thankfully. We would make whirlpools and waves and stay in the water until our lips would turn purple. At night, it was all about “The Stoop” (what we call the front porch in this neck of the woods). The kids would collect Lightning Bugs in old Cool Whip containers (holes poked through the lid, of course). Teens would blast their boom boxes and dance in the street (92 KTU with Paco. Al Bandiero. Anyone? Anyone?). Adults would hang around on their fold-out chairs chatting with the nabes. We didn’t even see our parents until it was dark. We hardly even knew what the interior of our homes looked like in the summer months. Those were the days my friends. Today, in 2010 Brooklyn, all you hear are the humming of the air conditioners. If you strain a little, you might be able to hear the sound of a splash and some laughter coming from a backyard near you. What is it with kids these days? Where is their imagination? Where is the hopscotch board drawn with sidewalk chalk so I, Brooklyn Mama, can jump through it? I know where…sitting in the garage. I blame it on too much technology. Too many extra channels on TV. Weren’t we just content with Saturday Morning Cartoons? Nothing to look forward to these days. SMH. My kids seem to need constant entertainment. If I don’t lead them by the hand, they’ll sit like zombies chanting they’re “soooooo bored”. With that said, this Brooklyn Mama needs to sign off and go stand on her head and juggle with her feet for these two little rug rats of mine. What were summers like where/when you grew up? How do your kids’ activities differ from those of your childhood memories?
Happy Sarurday! ~ Brooklyn Mama
| Tell Your Friends | |
|
|
