Love this. As a parent and as someone who has spent much time visiting US schools and working with kids, I can't help notice the joylessness that modern America imposes on family life and childhood. It's always good to be reminded that this is not the case everywhere. Part of the antidote is the wonderful friends and family members who step up to support, you awesome people, you!
I think it needs a lot of help. Before the pandemic, I spoke in Atlanta to nine year olds who have to change schools often, because algorithms keep raising their parents' rents. They were one of the hardest audiences of any age I've ever had to engage, and that's not normally an issue for me. When parents are constantly under stress, there's little room for joy to share with kids.
I love seeing the kids with their parents out and about. I wanted to have kids once upon a time, but it didn’t happen. So I get to be the best aunt in the whole wide world (according to multiple sources…after prompting from me. Hey, you gotta make sure they love you so they take care of you when you need it!) I feel like it is kind of like skipping to being a grandparent without having had kids myself. The best of both worlds!
Love this, Perents love the children and play with children and spent time with. So beautiful article written. Wonderful photography. I like. Iam so glad. I feel like it's kind of like skipping to being grandparents. They're love eachother & family friends.
These photos are such an uplift for this week, thank you for sharing them! And this is so, so true. The first time I traveled with a baby, it opened up so much more of the world and other cultures to me.
Thanks, Antonia! Kids are the great ice-breaker. When living in Istanbul we used to do our HIIT workout wherever we could. A number of times, kinds were openly fascinated with what we were doing and wanted to "use" our equipment. The parents were always a bit wary of us, but as soon as I started showing their kids what to do, the parents' faces absolutely lit up with delight.
I agree, travelling with babies or small children is a great ice breaker!
They are lovely photos, Michael, definitely an uplift for the week, and I just wanted to say that cool uncles and aunts have a very special place in the hearts of children and their parents.
Thanks for sharing this, Michael! I didn't think I ever wanted to have kids, but I did. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it's definitely hard work and not all unicorns and butterflies. With each of my boys our relationships were very strained starting when they were 16. Thankfully, we are out of that phase now.
I have several other children who I call mine but aren't biologically related to me. A niece whose stepmother emotionally abused her and biological mother was murdered. She's expecting her first child in March, and I'm looking forward to helping her through that. I have two stepdaughters whose mother moved away twelve years ago. I'm not "mom" but they definitely look to me for guidance and support. And then there's our son from Taiwan who only lived with us for a year. He's still very much considered one of the kids. And my older son proposed yesterday in Italy to his girlfriend, so I'm getting another daughter!
Love all these beautiful photos. I agree that American kids just aren't out and about as they are elsewhere. I lament the hectic schedules they seem to keep--all because parents feel like they must give them everything so they don't miss out. But in the end, they really do miss out on the beauty that comes from a leisurely stroll through town or a picnic on the beach or visiting with an elderly relative. I love being a mom, but I'm so glad I'm not raising kids right now.
I feel just the same way. When I was a kid I thought I wanted a big family like my Mom and grandmother (five kids and seven kids, respectively), but the older I got, the more sure I was that I didn't want any at all. Now I am VERY happy to be the "cool aunt" who sends presents and postcards from abroad. And just the smiling face of a delighted adult, no matter where I am!
Love this. As a parent and as someone who has spent much time visiting US schools and working with kids, I can't help notice the joylessness that modern America imposes on family life and childhood. It's always good to be reminded that this is not the case everywhere. Part of the antidote is the wonderful friends and family members who step up to support, you awesome people, you!
It's sobering to hear that you see joylessness in so much of American family life. Here's hoping it changes over time.
I think it needs a lot of help. Before the pandemic, I spoke in Atlanta to nine year olds who have to change schools often, because algorithms keep raising their parents' rents. They were one of the hardest audiences of any age I've ever had to engage, and that's not normally an issue for me. When parents are constantly under stress, there's little room for joy to share with kids.
I have to say things seem soooo much healthier here in Europe.
No argument here. I watched a school party in Iceland a few years ago, and marveled at the happiness and great behavior of the kids.
We've seen it so many places...
I'm sure you have. Hard to get a discussion going though among people disinclined to discuss.
I love seeing the kids with their parents out and about. I wanted to have kids once upon a time, but it didn’t happen. So I get to be the best aunt in the whole wide world (according to multiple sources…after prompting from me. Hey, you gotta make sure they love you so they take care of you when you need it!) I feel like it is kind of like skipping to being a grandparent without having had kids myself. The best of both worlds!
I feel the same way about not having kids, yet wanting them in your life as well!
Love this, Perents love the children and play with children and spent time with. So beautiful article written. Wonderful photography. I like. Iam so glad. I feel like it's kind of like skipping to being grandparents. They're love eachother & family friends.
Thank you! Appreciate the kind words!
You are most welcome! 🙏
These photos are such an uplift for this week, thank you for sharing them! And this is so, so true. The first time I traveled with a baby, it opened up so much more of the world and other cultures to me.
Thanks, Antonia! Kids are the great ice-breaker. When living in Istanbul we used to do our HIIT workout wherever we could. A number of times, kinds were openly fascinated with what we were doing and wanted to "use" our equipment. The parents were always a bit wary of us, but as soon as I started showing their kids what to do, the parents' faces absolutely lit up with delight.
I agree, travelling with babies or small children is a great ice breaker!
They are lovely photos, Michael, definitely an uplift for the week, and I just wanted to say that cool uncles and aunts have a very special place in the hearts of children and their parents.
Thank you, Liz!
Thanks for sharing this, Michael! I didn't think I ever wanted to have kids, but I did. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it's definitely hard work and not all unicorns and butterflies. With each of my boys our relationships were very strained starting when they were 16. Thankfully, we are out of that phase now.
I have several other children who I call mine but aren't biologically related to me. A niece whose stepmother emotionally abused her and biological mother was murdered. She's expecting her first child in March, and I'm looking forward to helping her through that. I have two stepdaughters whose mother moved away twelve years ago. I'm not "mom" but they definitely look to me for guidance and support. And then there's our son from Taiwan who only lived with us for a year. He's still very much considered one of the kids. And my older son proposed yesterday in Italy to his girlfriend, so I'm getting another daughter!
Love all these beautiful photos. I agree that American kids just aren't out and about as they are elsewhere. I lament the hectic schedules they seem to keep--all because parents feel like they must give them everything so they don't miss out. But in the end, they really do miss out on the beauty that comes from a leisurely stroll through town or a picnic on the beach or visiting with an elderly relative. I love being a mom, but I'm so glad I'm not raising kids right now.
Thanks for sharing those thoughts, and especially for all of the wonderful people you've helped shape for this difficult world.
Love ❤️
Happy Thanksgiving!
You as well!
I feel just the same way. When I was a kid I thought I wanted a big family like my Mom and grandmother (five kids and seven kids, respectively), but the older I got, the more sure I was that I didn't want any at all. Now I am VERY happy to be the "cool aunt" who sends presents and postcards from abroad. And just the smiling face of a delighted adult, no matter where I am!
Let's hear it for all of the cool aunts and uncles out there!
That’s lovely. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for reading!
Absolutely beautiful. XOXO