Does this photo of my 7 year old “driving” an abandoned bus deserted in the industrial park on the kibbutz we live on instill feelings of longing in you?
Envy?
Or pure, unadulterated fear?
It’s rusty, that bus. And filled with trash. And likely painted with lead paint.
Maybe you just think I’m crazy. I know a lot of my friends and family back in the U.S. do. In fact, 35 year old me is looking at 39 year old me with a little bit of loathing and disgust; and plenty of confusion.
Today, on the Times of Israel, I blogged about what parenting (or really, underparenting) on a kibbutz in Israel looks like for me.
And how the dirty, sometimes dangerous life, has surprisingly created space for me in which I can breathe.
Loved it.
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Me too!
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Nothing wrong with letting a kid be a kid. 🙂
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True, except maybe tetanus
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Great article, Jen! This is something we talk about a lot in our house. I grew up in downtown Toronto with 5 adults all right *there* and no breathing space. My husband grew up in suburban Ottawa, roaming the neighbourhood freely on his bike with a pack of boys. Having fun. Living. His parents are happier and have a healthier outlook on life than maybe mine do. So we let my son bike to the downtown (gasp) park in our neighbourhood alone, we let him walk home alone. We send him to buy milk. But no other kids around us are allowed to roam free and it’s a shame – for them, for all of us. Good for you for the decisions you’ve made.
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Great post! Your kid is too cute! 🙂
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