Half term has almost finished already! That went by in a blur of red, white and blue didn’t it? What a difference a year makes. Last year we were all terrified that we were being overrun by “feral youths” (a term that should be banned from being used at all times) and now, somehow, by stepping out together with our families into the street and embracing our neighbours and our friends we have brought all the generations together again and solved all the problems of the world.
Good.
I think we should do it more often. I LOVE it when the teenagers hang out with us. When we are all sitting around chatting and laughing about stuff. We need to have more parties and “gatherings” involving the young and the old. Mix everyone together more. It will stop our old people from feeling terrified of the hoodies at the corner shop because they will be known to them. It will stop our young people from being disrespectful to the old and avoid misunderstandings, anger and isolation.
I say we do a street party once a month. Block off the end of the road. Let our children play outside. Share. Turn off the TV. Computer. Stop driving the car. Walk. Talk. We should start using our open spaces more effectively and start loitering in city squares like the Italians and French. Maybe set up tables to sit and play chess and other such games…I’ll get my Bananagrams friend on the case. She can revolutionise outdoor family time (while I sit nearby drinking wine and chatting and maybe even dancing if my children can bear it).
(yes, OK we can all keep our mobile phones with us – I won’t go that far).
And no, I don’t want to be the one to organise it – although I will if I get a good response!
Fran
June 7, 2012Ours got postponed from Sunday (monsoon day) to Monday (sunny and showery) and apart from one great moment when we all stood in a line with our umbrellas up over the food, it all went smoothly.
Family Affairs
June 7, 2012Yes, that was a good idea Lx
Nicola
June 9, 2012I love the occassions when the old and young mix together. That’s my favourite part.