I wonder if it's too late for all the kids on the block to join a myriad of free summer sports

[conuly]

and if it'd be overstepping to suggest it to some of their parents. All of their parents.

(I don't like it when the kids are quiet, and I don't like it when they're noisy. But if they're away getting good and tired out then at least I'll know the deal!)

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Comments

[gingicat]

Speaking as a child who was forced to try out sports camps (at least I was not required to do any of them more than once) it's not for every child, even active ones.

From a parent perspective, there's the transportation issue if the child's not old enough to walk to or take the city bus to the camp by themself. Transporting children is *time-consuming*.

[conuly]

All those kids are old enough to travel alone, as I know because I see them traveling alone.

[topaz_eyes]

Do you know the neighbourhood kids, parents, and their personal situations well enough to suggest it to them? Like would any parents take offence? As long as they're not on your property causing damage, and they're otherwise not in danger, kids are going to be noisy.

[conuly]

I know, they've been noisy since I was a kid. But we have a bumper crop of children this year! A lot of people died of old age or moved to nursing homes or to be closer to their now-adult children or whatever and tons of families moved in.

And every one of them comes outside when the sun comes down. I swear, we have nothing but werewolf children on our block and always have. And then they argue, and I'm left wondering if they ever get around to playing or if they're too busy arguing over what to play.

Now, if they went, say, to swim class at the pool or to the free track and field program at the park three days a week then presumably they wouldn't be quite so noisy those evenings, they'd restrict themselves to howling instead of arguing. (I still don't know why they howl, but it lends credence to my werewolf theory.)

[topaz_eyes]

Ah okay, so the parents may not know what daytime summer activities are available if they're all new to the area. If the kids are cooped up indoors all day during the heat, yeah, no wonder they're howling and arguing as soon as they get outdoors.

If you phrase the suggestion as "it'll get your kids out of your hair for a few hours every day," they might happily consider it.