Is it better to raise a family in the countryside or the city? There is no right or wrong answer; rather, it is a matter of priorities. While constant access to a rural environment can be profoundly beneficial for childhood development, cities offer unique opportunities and learning experiences in terms of education, culture, diversity and social connections. That said, urban environments have disadvantages, such as air pollution, poor sanitation and higher crime rates. As such, raising a family in the city comes with its challenges, so here are some tips for keeping your loved ones safe and happy.
Local Parks
Your local park is the ideal place to get some sunshine and fresh air without leaving the city altogether. Fortunately, some inner city parks and nature reserves have you questioning whether or not you are, in fact, in the middle of a rural expanse. While you may not have the luxury of a large open space on your doorstep, most cities feature multiple municipal parks where children can play, explore and socialise with their peers, provided they are supervised at all times.
Choose A Safe Neighbourhood
We all want to live in a safe environment. Unfortunately, some neighbourhoods are safer than others, so choosing the right location for you and your family takes careful planning and consideration. Research your choices thoroughly before putting down a deposit on a potential family home and ask yourself questions such as “is this a family area?” and “does this area have a low crime rate?”. While no area is 100% safe, you can better understand a neighbourhood’s safety levels by speaking with resident families and examining property value trends.
Teach Your Children About Safety
The best way to ensure your children remain safe and happy in the city is by speaking to them. Explain the importance of road safety and stranger danger in ways they can understand. Furthermore, it is not enough to have this talk once – city safety should be an ongoing conversation between you and your children. As kids grow and develop, they naturally want to take risks and push boundaries, so keep family communication clear, open and honest.
Get Away
As vibrant and exciting as city life can be, getting out into the countryside can offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle. Even if it’s just a day trip, taking your family for a countryside adventure can be tremendously beneficial for numerous reasons – kids get to experience the wonders of nature, and adults can enjoy a well-deserved rest away from the daily grind. You’re guaranteed to return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Get A High-Quality Pram
Negotiating busy city streets with a subpar pram can be a nightmare. Heavy, cumbersome strollers that are difficult to manoeuvre make getting from A to B a bigger challenge than it should be, particularly when public transportation is involved. As such, it is worth investing in a pram designed especially for the urban family. Opt for a lightweight model with a slimline frame and narrow wheelbase. Compact-folding strollers are also excellent if you and your family are frequent travellers.
Get Involved
Getting your family involved in community events and projects is an excellent way to make friends and gain valuable experiences. From cleaning up the local area to organising group play dates, community activities grant children a sense of belonging, boosting their self-esteem and aiding the development of social skills.
Less Is More
When it comes to urban family homes, space is often limited. A smaller home means limiting clutter as much as possible and learning to let go of possessions you no longer want or need. However, this is easier said than done for some. Consider the “one in, two out” rule – for every item you bring into your home, try and find two things to sell, donate or throw away. Have regular decluttering sessions and encourage your kids to get involved.
Choose Schools Wisely
Your choice of school for your kids is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as a parent. Start looking as far in advance as possible, scope out the local area and do your homework, so to speak. Your child’s school should be a place that values their personality, needs, interests and strengths. It may also be worth speaking with other parents for recommendations. You can read more about choosing a school for your child in this article.
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