As a city dweller having grown up in the suburbs, I often miss having a private backyard – or any back yard since my building doesn’t have one. But I’m continually inspired by the unique architecture, the community gardens, and the expansive parks in the city.
While I often wish I didn’t have to ask my children to turn their music down or not practice their instruments or bounce a ball at certain times of the morning or night, I am grateful for the camaraderie with our neighbors. I love that our neighbor upstairs calls to see if we can feed their pet, or if their son can come hang out with ours while they have to be out. I take comfort in knowing that our kids are never truly “home alone,” and the doorman provides them with an added sense of security – as well as an additional opportunity for conversation!
When my husband and I were family planning, we were looking at a potential move to the suburbs. With some concerns about public schools and space, we figured a house and a yard in a good suburban neighborhood would be a smart move. My mom, who lived most of her life in the same suburban area of Western NY but often visited relatives in NYC, shared some words of wisdom. She told me that late in my pregnancy and early times with a newborn can be isolating…she said it’s easier to develop a support network and feel part of a community when your children are in preschool and you’re getting to know the parents of their classmates – then everyone is making new friends. So maybe don’t reconsider completely, she suggested, but consider your timing. Well, as a result of this reconsideration we realized all that the city has to offer and chose to stay. It was pretty incredible how many other expectant moms I met while pregnant, and the number of parents with newborns I met while walking in the neighborhood with my little ones. And what a host of classes, support groups, and informal gatherings there were all around me!
Yes, I would still like my own backyard and would love to have a basement for the kids to hang out in; and most importantly, I wish my parents were nearby to have more time with their grand kids! But I am thrilled we remained city dwellers and I wouldn’t look back. Our kids have had an education beyond school that they likely wouldn’t experience elsewhere.
I hope that Baby Fingers can be part of that community for you, that support network, to enhance your family’s experience, comfort, and happiness in the city. I love to hear that our families have been getting together for play dates between classes. I love to see young school age children and teenagers in the neighborhood who were once babies in our program. It’s so gratifying to read all the success stories our families share, and I am proud to be part of the NYC community – as mom and as a small business owner. Thank YOU for being part of that.
