The other day, my wife took the kids to the New England Aquarium. Supposedly, they had fun. They told me about penguins pooping on the rocks, and about the sharks. Officially, the sharks never eat the other fish in the tank. (Here, the woman saying this wiggled her eyebrows.)
But what my kids will remember from that day is their visit to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. You paid for it, so if you haven’t heard of it, it’s part of the Big Dig project. Thanks for your money. It turned a really ugly stretch of highway into a really ugly underground stretch of highway, and then deposited some delightful little parks right into the heart of Boston.
The main attraction from a kid’s perspective is the water display. I’d call it a fountain, but that’s too passive. It’s one of those series of jets of water that do different things, and that kids (mostly) use for tactical soakings.
My daughter played in this water for well over an hour. I recorded an interview. My wife and son got wet at different times (though my 3 year old wasn’t really into it once he got a face full at an inopportune moment).
In the end, this is what they will remember. They will remember the moments of pure, unbridled fun. Learning is great. Experiences are great. But if you don’t look for pockets of pure fun, you’re missing the finer things, at least from a kid’s eye view.
Agree?
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I was visiting Atlanta a few months ago and a similar fountain in the Olympic Park was full of kids all day… (No, I didn't jump in because I was wearing a business suit not a bathing suit 🙂 )
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I love this post Chris… You’re a major contributor and thought leader to the evolving world of communications and an awesome Dad – Balance it key to a truly rewarding and successful life : ) Kudos!
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Totally agree.
We complicate or think too much about activities which might please kids.
The simple the better, so it seems much often.
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There is a similar fountain in Galveston (Houston) area that my kids reveled in when they were younger… strangely, it was my usually laid-back husband who didn’t want them to go in and get “all wet”, and I, the uptight planner, who said, “Oh, let ’em have some fun!” — and they did. In spades. Glad to see that your kids had a great time here – I’ll look for it next time I’m up that way!
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Yes, kids do really enjoy the simple pleasures!
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When our three children were young, we had little money (husband full-time student, I was stay-at-home mom). My husband decided to take the kids to every play park in the city of Saskatoon. They played at every one and rated each one (my husband is an engineer. What can I say) I think it took them two summers to finish them all. Crazy. Fun.
Now my children are almost grown-up. But yesterday I spent hours shopping with my daughter who is heading off to college this week. We kept losing each other at the Farmers' Market. Ate some very sticky but delicious cinnamon buns from the Market. We stopped at a second-hand clothing store because she's into recycling. Then we trekked on to the downtown mall (we parked blocks away because I hate to pay for parking). At the mall, we kept buying stuff–big stuff like comforters, duvets, pillows. Eventually we had to head back to our car. We looked like bag ladies (no shopping cart though). We kept laughing about needing sherpas to help us carry everything.
The crazy park thing my husband did when the kids were young created amazing memories for them. I know that yesterday my daughter and I, bag ladies needing sherpas, created some more memories–links in that chain that binds us together as family.
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When our three children were young, we had little money (husband full-time student, I was stay-at-home mom). My husband decided to take the kids to every play park in the city of Saskatoon. They played at every one and rated each one (my husband is an engineer. What can I say) I think it took them two summers to finish them all. Crazy. Fun.
Now my children are almost grown-up. But yesterday I spent hours shopping with my daughter who is heading off to college this week. We kept losing each other at the Farmers' Market. Ate some very sticky but delicious cinnamon buns from the Market. We stopped at a second-hand clothing store because she's into recycling. Then we trekked on to the downtown mall (we parked blocks away because I hate to pay for parking). At the mall, we kept buying stuff–big stuff like comforters, duvets, pillows. Eventually we had to head back to our car. We looked like bag ladies (no shopping cart though). We kept laughing about needing sherpas to help us carry everything.
The crazy park thing my husband did when the kids were young created amazing memories for them. I know that yesterday my daughter and I, bag ladies needing sherpas, created some more memories–links in that chain that binds us together as family.
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I absolutely agree. ;o) Coming from a mother of 4, small moments of pure joy are what I relish the most. Like my 21 month old laughing his giddy unadulterated laugh when his sister pulls him around the house (wood floors) on a soft blanket, making him slide everywhere, or when my 16 yr old son teaches all of the kids in the neighborhood how to make berry shooters out of left over PVC pipe, my 14 yr old daughter having the soccer game of her life (or being a good sport when it doesn’t quite go her way). and last but not least, my 10 yr old cuddling up with the little one to read him a story….notice, not one dime spent, but memories that are worth a million dollars. :o)
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Wow, what a beautiful photo! (And reminder about what matters most)
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Wow, what a beautiful photo! (And reminder about what matters most)
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I love this post Chris… You're a major contributor and thought leader to the evolving world of communications and an awesome Dad – Balance it key to a truly rewarding and successful life : ) Kudos!
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I love this post Chris… You're a major contributor and thought leader to the evolving world of communications and an awesome Dad – Balance it key to a truly rewarding and successful life : ) Kudos!
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“In the end…” this is what you will remember too! Those simple moments where we watch our children savor life littlest pleasures like that fountain. These memoris are burned in our hearts and minds long after they’ve ceased to be little. They grow up way too quickly
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Totally agree.
We complicate or think too much about activities which might please kids.
The simple the better, so it seems much often.
#
Totally agree.
We complicate or think too much about activities which might please kids.
The simple the better, so it seems much often.
#
There is a similar fountain in Galveston (Houston) area that my kids reveled in when they were younger… strangely, it was my usually laid-back husband who didn't want them to go in and get “all wet”, and I, the uptight planner, who said, “Oh, let 'em have some fun!” — and they did. In spades. Glad to see that your kids had a great time here – I'll look for it next time I'm up that way!
#
There is a similar fountain in Galveston (Houston) area that my kids reveled in when they were younger… strangely, it was my usually laid-back husband who didn't want them to go in and get “all wet”, and I, the uptight planner, who said, “Oh, let 'em have some fun!” — and they did. In spades. Glad to see that your kids had a great time here – I'll look for it next time I'm up that way!
#
Yes, kids do really enjoy the simple pleasures!
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Yes, kids do really enjoy the simple pleasures!
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I absolutely agree. ;o) Coming from a mother of 4, small moments of pure joy are what I relish the most. Like my 21 month old laughing his giddy unadulterated laugh when his sister pulls him around the house (wood floors) on a soft blanket, making him slide everywhere, or when my 16 yr old son teaches all of the kids in the neighborhood how to make berry shooters out of left over PVC pipe, my 14 yr old daughter having the soccer game of her life (or being a good sport when it doesn't quite go her way). and last but not least, my 10 yr old cuddling up with the little one to read him a story….notice, not one dime spent, but memories that are worth a million dollars. :o)
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I absolutely agree. ;o) Coming from a mother of 4, small moments of pure joy are what I relish the most. Like my 21 month old laughing his giddy unadulterated laugh when his sister pulls him around the house (wood floors) on a soft blanket, making him slide everywhere, or when my 16 yr old son teaches all of the kids in the neighborhood how to make berry shooters out of left over PVC pipe, my 14 yr old daughter having the soccer game of her life (or being a good sport when it doesn't quite go her way). and last but not least, my 10 yr old cuddling up with the little one to read him a story….notice, not one dime spent, but memories that are worth a million dollars. :o)
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Not only do I agree – I am dancing around to have found another site where pockets of fun are celebrated and acknowledged!!! They are the cornerstone of a well-rounded childhood, and trump all the fancy trips, gizmos and fads in the world! Bravo for calling attention to them, and on this weekend in particular for blogging about the Rose Kennedy Greenway – it is a particularly well-done piece of public space!
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“In the end…” this is what you will remember too! Those simple moments where we watch our children savor life littlest pleasures like a fountain are burned in our hearts and minds long after they've ceased to be little. They grow up way too quickly
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“In the end…” this is what you will remember too! Those simple moments where we watch our children savor life littlest pleasures like a fountain are burned in our hearts and minds long after they've ceased to be little. They grow up way too quickly
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I’ve got 4 kids of my own – ages 11 to 5 – and sometimes when we’re doing silly things that might seem like a waste of time, I realize that just giving them my undivided attention as a part of their world is worth a lot more than it seems at the time.
When I start thinking about all the books I need to read, emails to reply to, and things I need to do, I stop and remember, “I am doing something more important right now than any of those.”
Of course there needs to be a healthy balance, but I’d venture to guess that most of us are deficient in the “spending time with kids” area.
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Your post hit a cord. Yesterday it was sizzling hot in San Diego. To cool off, our teens walked over to the local community pool – come to find out it was closed due to a swim meet.
Disappointed, they returned home and soon found a bag of water balloons, hidden away in a cupboard. They spent the remainder of the afternoon filling the balloons, tossing the balloons, getting wet and chasing each other outdoors.
But the best part was my husband’s role in making more fun. Covertly, he filled up several small plastic cups of ice water. Crouching in the corner of our upper condo deck, he ambushed them with cold water as they played in the walkway below.
Here’s to the power of water as a generator of laughs and smiles.
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Not only do I agree – I am dancing around to have found another site where pockets of fun are celebrated and acknowledged!!! They are the cornerstone of a well-rounded childhood, and trump all the fancy trips, gizmos and fads in the world! Bravo for calling attention to them, and on this weekend in particular for blogging about the Rose Kennedy Greenway – it is a particularly well-done piece of public space!
#
Not only do I agree – I am dancing around to have found another site where pockets of fun are celebrated and acknowledged!!! They are the cornerstone of a well-rounded childhood, and trump all the fancy trips, gizmos and fads in the world! Bravo for calling attention to them, and on this weekend in particular for blogging about the Rose Kennedy Greenway – it is a particularly well-done piece of public space!
#
I've got 4 kids of my own – ages 11 to 5 – and sometimes when we're doing silly things that might seem like a waste of time, I realize that just giving them my undivided attention as a part of their world is worth a lot more than it seems at the time.
When I start thinking about all the books I need to read, emails to reply to, and things I need to do, I stop and remember, “I am doing something more important right now than any of those.”
Of course there needs to be a healthy balance, but I'd venture to guess that most of us are deficient in the “spending time with kids” area.
#
I've got 4 kids of my own – ages 11 to 5 – and sometimes when we're doing silly things that might seem like a waste of time, I realize that just giving them my undivided attention as a part of their world is worth a lot more than it seems at the time.
When I start thinking about all the books I need to read, emails to reply to, and things I need to do, I stop and remember, “I am doing something more important right now than any of those.”
Of course there needs to be a healthy balance, but I'd venture to guess that most of us are deficient in the “spending time with kids” area.
#
Your post hit a cord. Yesterday it was sizzling hot in San Diego. To cool off, our teens walked over to the local community pool – come to find out it was closed due to a swim meet.
Disappointed, they returned home and soon found a bag of water balloons, hidden away in a cupboard. They spent the remainder of the afternoon filling the balloons, tossing the balloons, getting wet and chasing each other outdoors.
But the best part was my husband's role in making more fun. Covertly, he filled up several small plastic cups of ice water. Crouching in the corner of our upper condo deck, he ambushed them with cold water as they played in the walkway below.
Here's to the power of water as a generator of laughs and smiles.
#
Your post hit a cord. Yesterday it was sizzling hot in San Diego. To cool off, our teens walked over to the local community pool – come to find out it was closed due to a swim meet.
Disappointed, they returned home and soon found a bag of water balloons, hidden away in a cupboard. They spent the remainder of the afternoon filling the balloons, tossing the balloons, getting wet and chasing each other outdoors.
But the best part was my husband's role in making more fun. Covertly, he filled up several small plastic cups of ice water. Crouching in the corner of our upper condo deck, he ambushed them with cold water as they played in the walkway below.
Here's to the power of water as a generator of laughs and smiles.
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There are some similar fountains here near the Tennessee Aquarium. Sounds like a fun day.
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There are some similar fountains here near the Tennessee Aquarium. Sounds like a fun day.
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Yeah, and walking distance from the North End, too. My kids love ethnic neighborhoods.
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There are some similar fountains here near the Tennessee Aquarium. Sounds like a fun day.
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There are some similar fountains here near the Tennessee Aquarium. Sounds like a fun day.
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There are some similar fountains here near the Tennessee Aquarium. Sounds like a fun day.
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There are some similar fountains here near the Tennessee Aquarium. Sounds like a fun day.
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Yeah, and walking distance from the North End, too. My kids love ethnic neighborhoods.
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Yeah, and walking distance from the North End, too. My kids love ethnic neighborhoods.
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How can we each be that child that enjoys those pockets of pure fun? It’s a question I ask often. What helps me is oddly enough scheduling it in. Weekly play time. I must. Sometimes it turns into more than 1x/ week but in that 2 hour block I let myself become 8 and do whatever….of late I’ve had fun rediscovering reading clouds and seeing the images they’re making 🙂
Love this garden you speak of and the water fountains. Glad you all experienced it as a fam. FUN!
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I took my son to “grandma on the farm’s” as he calls her. We rode on the tracker, fed the cows and jumped in puddles. There is something about the simple things that help you remember to stop and enjoy life with the ones you love.
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Chris,
This is my first time to read this Blog as I heard about it from your post on ChrisBrogan.com.
I whole heartedly agree to what you are saying. As a youth pastor for a church in northwest Houston,TX., I have found that a teenager does not typically have the most memorable experience within a group or even one one with their pastor or teacher, but rather, the spiritual experience that packs the greatest punch is one they have shared with a parent.
This is the reason, I do not just seek to have a youth ministry but a family ministry. We purposely design events to create those experiences with a young person’s immediate family members.
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How can we each be that child that enjoys those pockets of pure fun? It's a question I ask often. What helps me is oddly enough scheduling it in. Weekly play time. I must. Sometimes it turns into more than 1x/ week but in that 2 hour block I let myself become 8 and do whatever….of late I've had fun rediscovering reading clouds and seeing the images they're making 🙂
Love this garden you speak of and the water fountains. Glad you all experienced it as a fam. FUN!
#
How can we each be that child that enjoys those pockets of pure fun? It's a question I ask often. What helps me is oddly enough scheduling it in. Weekly play time. I must. Sometimes it turns into more than 1x/ week but in that 2 hour block I let myself become 8 and do whatever….of late I've had fun rediscovering reading clouds and seeing the images they're making 🙂
Love this garden you speak of and the water fountains. Glad you all experienced it as a fam. FUN!
#
I took my son to “grandma on the farm's” as he calls her. We rode on the tracker, fed the cows and jumped in puddles. There is something about the simple things that help you remember to stop and enjoy life with the ones you love.
#
I took my son to “grandma on the farm's” as he calls her. We rode on the tracker, fed the cows and jumped in puddles. There is something about the simple things that help you remember to stop and enjoy life with the ones you love.
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I agree 100%! The purest memories I have from my childhood are those that were pure fun.
Now I get those great memories through my son and his pure fun. I love to play with him and watch him play. When he has a pure spontaneous laugh of joy it makes my heart sing. That is one of the reasons I try to involve myself in his life as much as I can as his dad, his soccer coach, and his scout leader. I love it when we get my wife’s eyes to roll up with that expression of, “oh lord there the boys go again.”
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Chris,
This is my first time to read this Blog as I heard about it from your post on ChrisBrogan.com.
I whole heartedly agree to what you are saying. As a youth pastor for a church in northwest Houston,TX., I have found that a teenager does not typically have the most memorable experience within a group or even one one with their pastor or teacher, but rather, the spiritual experience that packs the greatest punch is one they have shared with a parent.
This is the reason, I do not just seek to have a youth ministry but a family ministry. We purposely design events to create those experiences with a young person's immediate family members.