"While raising my kids in Chicago, I saw a recurring pattern. A neighbor would welcome a second child, or a friend's oldest would be ready for middle school. Suddenly, the city wasn't "enough" for them anymore. Seemingly overnight, they longed for larger backyards, quieter streets, and "better schools." Houses were listed, minivans were purchased, and then loaded to the brim. Those families disappeared into suburban cul-de-sacs."
"I'llalwaysbe concerned about my kids' safety, but in the city, being a helicopter parent is nearly impossible. That turned out to be a good thing. The thought of my kids riding buses and trains by themselves made me nervous - at first. Don't even get me started on the gray hairs I earned as they ventured out onto the chaotic city streets on scooters and bicycles in their teen years."
I chose to raise my children in Chicago while many peers moved to suburbs for larger yards and perceived better schools. Urban living provided parks, museums, and frequent informal learning opportunities that complemented formal education. Constant close supervision proved impractical, so I encouraged independence and practical skills like reading transit maps, managing schedules, and staying alert in public. Those challenges strengthened my parenting and helped my children become street-savvy and confident. The cultural access and everyday lessons of city life outweighed the quieter streets and bigger backyards of suburban alternatives.
Read at Business Insider
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