Yes, it is better. You missed out. Just like the kids who always played outside and never read books missed out.
I don’t think I did. It’s not like I never played outside–I did on occasion, but it just wasn’t really for me. Even today, I’m really not an outdoorsy person, and for me, doing stuff outside just isn’t my idea of a good time.
A little mind-boggling that a kid wouldn’t want to play. Hell, I’m an adult and I still like to play. Tag! You’re it! <Runs away>
Good on the OP. That’s the way a child should grow up. My neighborhood was full of kids–mostly boys, but there were a few girls who could sometimes be drafted to fill out a baseball game or some such. Other times, one of the dads would play with us, usually pitching or playing QB (depending on season) for both teams.
There were several vacant lots scattered around, one of which had a large ditch we promptly dubbed “Snake River Canyon” and jumped (or sometimes crashed spectacularly) on our bikes.
I happened to run into a friend today at a nearby park. I was with my 2-year-old, and he had his boys, 7 and 4, and the older boy had a friend along.
The park has a play area which the kids can do anything. Dig holes, cut and nail boards, and even build fires.
The boys wanted to build a camp fire, and so this old eagle scout got to show some city kids a few tricks.
It was just a lot of fun watching their energy. Good stuff.