Well the school holidays are upon us and will the weather hold or is it likely kids will be holed up for days on end.
An issue that concerns me is as follows; Are there enough activities for kids to do in the holidays.
When I was young (and yes I can remember that far back) we played out dawn till dusk,returning home only for the odd meal to replenish our energy supply.
Parents of youngsters would be concerned if they cannot see their children in todays society, and its not much better for older children. Only yesterday a 12 year old boy was approached by two men in a car on Swinton Park Road.
So do we need to provide activities with the appropriate adult supervision and if so at what cost. If we do not provide some distraction for our youngsters will it lead to an increase in complaints about youths loitering and anti-social behavior.
Its a real shame that kids, youths cannot play out and burn up their excess energy, we do not want our kids sat in front of a TV or computer monitor all day. This could lead to a lack of social skills and an increase in obesity, neither of which are any good for a child's long term future.
So its back to my original question do we provide activities and alternatives or do we pay the price in other ways in the future. I know which option I would go for. Whichever the way you go there is a cost ..........so pay now or pay later .........you makes your choice.