Who has the time to know your neighbors? Teach your son to know his neighbors with National Night Out!
We are not experts, just parents.
Back in “the day” people knew their neighbors. That day must have been more than a few yesterdays ago because I don’t remember it.
Lets be real. I’m busy. You are busy. Everybody is busy with something to do other than go introduce yourself to your neighbor. So you missed the opportunity to bring milk and cookies when that family moved-in four houses down. Here is your chance!
But wait, there is a bonus. The National Night Out program normally involves local firefighters, police, and even community leaders.
So, why does your son need to go?
- Improve his social skills by helping him meet the kids down the street.
- Help him understand that police are there to protect him.
- Give him the chance to see a really cool firetruck.
- Enjoy some food. (No brainer for a boy)
Our Experience
The ManBuilders crew walked a hearty 1/10 mile, 8 houses down, and visited with a host family in College Station, TX. The South Brazos County Fire Department was on hand to meet with the children and show off their cool gear and trucks. Hot dogs, potato salad, and chips were around to make it feel even more like a 4th of July event in America.
The children and parents had the opportunity to meet people that we had always “seen’, but never taken the time to meet and introduce ourselves. Parents exchanged information and pointed to their homes. “So which house is yours” was the common question of the night and people were more than comfortable sharing.
Connections were made. Boys met other people that weren’t so weird after-all.
Our boys:
- Made new friends
- Met their friends parents
- Got sick from eating food and then running
- Ran down the middle of the road (it was blocked off) for the first time in their life without Dad screaming at them to get out of the road
- Put on firefighter gear
- Sat in a firetruck
- Honked the firetruck horn and made a baby cry
So what if I’m not American
Our experience was one way of developing social skills and learning to value your neighbors. This is not the only way. Hot dogs and potato salad does not apply to every culture or country, nor does the National Night Out program. If you don’t know your neighbors, consider contacting your local Law Enforcement Agency and ask them if there are any events in your area for your community. Alternatively, consider taking your son to meet with the neighbors who live closest to you. Limit this to a maximum of two to three neighbors to start. Take this time to enjoy something in your culture with them.
National Night Out Information
Do you know your neighbors? How are your son(s) social skills in meeting new people or people he “knows” but never had the courage to introduce himself to? How was your National Night Out if you participated in one?
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