When I was a kid, we played on the residential streets, rode our bikes all over, even flew model planes over the streets. It was expected, because there were a lot of kids, few if any playgrounds, and back yards were small.
That, and people cared for kids back then - anybody's kids. Toddlers are fast-moving and their judgement meters haven't been installed yet, so slow way the heck down, and watch hard for any movement out of the corners of your eyes in the residential streets where kids live. It's part of our responsibilities as drivers.
Just this evening, coming back from class, I had a 2-3 year old little boy in the middle of the street in front of my car. I came to a stop and waited for his dad, who ran quickly to get him.
Kids are important. Witless, but important.
You'll lose that one. I raised two.
When I was a kid, we played on the residential streets, rode our bikes all over, even flew model planes over the streets. It was expected, because there were a lot of kids, few if any playgrounds, and back yards were small.
I was born in North Houston inside the loop, and you could mow our backyard with a weed whacker. We used the streets for travel only, and we didn't have the luxury of sidewalks. Our parents watched out for us, and didn't just turn us loose like a bunch of wild animals. They made sure we knew the rules of the road regarding bicycles and traffic. We played in nearby church parking lots and fields, and flew model airplanes in the local elementary school ball field/playground. My parents considered us enough of a priority, that they eventually sold everything and moved us out of the inner city hell hole. Attitudes and values are passed down. My parents were NEVER too tired or preoccupied to spend time with us. When I got married and had my own kids, my kids were the same priority. So much so, that we moved out to the country 30 minutes out of the nearest town where the kids had room to grow. We worked hard to raise and protect our kids, and it paid off in a big way. Our kids learn from watching us. Now, I have three wonderful grandchildren who have great parents.
Children have no sense. We have to watch out for them and keep them out of danger. It's all about taking responsibility for raising your children, participating in their lives, and not just "watching" them. Cell phones and cable TV are no substitute for parents.