Reach out to those around you.
Do you remember coming home from school and running through the neighborhood at a thundering speed, playing catch with your pals, and having a last-minute pizza dinner with your best friend’s family? Past generations have enjoyed much more freedom and safety than young people today. In a bygone era, if you got hurt, in trouble, or lost near your home, you felt safe because you knew your neighbors and had only to turn to one of them for help or reassurance. It’s important for the well-being of young people and society to reach out to one another and get to know neighbors.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Start by making a point to wave to neighbors as you see them and just say hi.
After you have established some familiarity start small conversations about the weather, an event in town or the color of the leaves as they change. Officially introduce yourself and start learning names.
Introduce yourself to families in your neighborhood and introduce the adults in your neighborhood to your kids.
Organize a neighborhood event like a fall cookout or a campfire cookout with hot dogs and smores. This will provide an opportunity for families to gather in fun and friendship!
Friendships and trust only develop when people take risks by acknowledging their neighbors, getting to know them, and taking time to form relationships. How well do you know your neighbors? Get to know those who live around you. With a little effort, you’ll get to know the young people you live near and they’ll get to know you. The more eyes looking out for our kids the better!