Low-rise jeans aren’t the only ’90s trend making a comeback. Parents are reminiscing about summers from their childhood, trading camps and structured activities for relaxed “feral child summers.” These days echo what many experienced in the ’90s, when kids played freely outside from dawn till dusk.
Some parents want their children to enjoy leisure time, like Rollerblading or simply lounging on the couch without constant screen time. But others argue that today’s world is different. Streets can feel more dangerous, digital distractions are harder to avoid, and many families have two working parents, limiting free time for their kids.
Eric Katzman, 46, from Brooklyn, is introducing some of this freedom to his children. “We walked to the candy store when I was young, and I want that for my kids too,” he explains. This summer, he’s letting his 12- and 9-year-olds explore the neighborhood, albeit with some boundaries.
On her podcast “Not Gonna Lie,” Kylie Kelce shared her enthusiasm for feral summers. “I love letting my kids explore, even if they end up digging in the backyard,” she said, embracing a hands-off approach similar to the one she had growing up.
Caitlin Murray, a Westchester mom, has also decided not to enroll her kids in camps. Instead, they roam freely in their neighborhood, reminiscent of her own carefree childhood on Cape Cod. Her home has limited tech, which helps keep her kids more active and engaged with their surroundings.
However, not every parent agrees with this approach. Jessica Dowshen, a mom from Brooklyn, believes her teenage kids would just retreat to screens without scheduled activities. “The allure of phones is strong,” she said, highlighting the challenges of keeping kids engaged in the digital age.
Concerns about safety in cities like Manhattan prompt other parents to consider structured plans. “It’s tough to let my kids run wild,” Rebecca, a mother of two, noted, citing the heat and busy streets as factors that make spontaneous play difficult.
Psychologist Dr. Anna Levy-Warren sees both sides. She supports unstructured play but stresses the importance of balance. “Kids need to be creative and socialize, but we also live in a world where parents worry more about their safety,” she says. Today’s constant connectivity makes it hard for parents to let go.
While some families seek a nostalgic summer, the reality is more complex. Today’s parents face challenges their own parents didn’t have to consider. Yet, summer should still hold a little magic for kids, whether it’s through unstructured play or well-planned activities. Finding that balance may be more crucial than ever.
Source link
Parenting,Lifestyle,children,kylie kelce,social media,summer
