Childhood (photo taken from www.gratisography.com)
Today is Children’s Day in Mexico and I’ve found myself very thoughtful about my childhood. I haven’t been able to experience much of childhood in the Netherlands other than what Riccardo tells me and what I observe. Even so, with what I have been able to observe, I have come up with this list of great reasons to be a child in the Netherlands:
- Fietsen is vrijheid! I love seeing children and teenagers race to school on their bikes every morning. Because the Netherlands is such a bike-friendly country, children are able to safely travel by bike to school, friends’ houses, soccer practice, etc without depending on their parents’ work schedules.
- Middag eten thuis! I don’t know if this happens everywhere or just here in Beek where I live, but Riccardo has talked about how he would come home to have lunch, and then go back to school. I think that is awesome! Eating at home increases the chances of getting healthier food, plus its always nice to be home for a bit.
- Halve dag op Woensdag! Children in the Netherlands are home early on Wednesdays. I am not sure why this is so (perhaps teacher planning hours or something like that?), but its nice to have the middle of the week be short.
- Mama of Pappadag! Netherlands is THE country of part-time work. I recently read a book about the liberties Dutch parents have to either work part-time or take a mommy or daddy day from work. While I am a big fan of smart phones and communication via all means, there is nothing like being at home with your children and hearing about their day!
- Sporten! Okay, I admit this isn’t something I would have been thrilled about as a child (I was more of the sit-down-to-read child), but I am amazed at the availability of sporting facilities for soccer, baseball and tennis. While schools do not have athletic teams (or so I am told), the community makes sure to have enough spaces for everyone to stay healthy!
- Hagelslag! I have come to learn and enjoy the most basic of all Dutch foods: chocolate sprinkles. While I am not a big fan of chocolate, there is something magical about having breakfast with sprinkles!
I am sure there are also negative aspects of being a child in the Netherlands (or even of having a child in the Netherlands), but in the spirit of focusing on the happiness I only chose to write about these.
Did I miss something on my list? What do you think are the best aspects of growing up in the Netherlands? In your home country?
