Fitness toys. Do kids still play with jump ropes and hula hoops?
I think the problem is that it is no longer safe for kids to play outdoors, unsupervised. Not many parents have the time or interest needed to just “sit” and watch while children play for hours, as they used to. Kids used to climb trees, build forts, jump rope, play hopscotch, have pick up baseball and kickball games, play tag and capture the flag….all outdoors, and all without adult supervision. Those days are gone. If communities would build more parks, and have the parks provide supervision, I think a lot of parents would take advantage of this. They could be enclosed, and parents could sign their children in and out. Parents could also sign a waiver for “accidents” – because I suspect that’s a huge reason communities won’t do this. It’s a sign of changing times that kids can’t play outdoors, and it’s a huge loss to them. They aren’t experiencing one of the great joys of being a child: the joy of exploring the world, playing outdoors, and feeling the freedom of being a child. Not
