Forgotten Neighborhood Games

Preface

Two powerful motives inspired me to create this book.  These are two issues that people seem to realize, but never really stop to ponder.  The first inspiration came over the last few summers that I worked as a tennis coach and instructor.  I taught kids ages six to sixteen (the children that will get the most use from this book).  The children and I would have fun together, especially when I taught them creative tennis games.  One day, I began talking to a few of my students about other fun games I use to play around my neighborhood.  You would not believe the blank stares of bewilderment that lay upon me as I mentioned ‘Ghost in the Graveyard’ and even ‘Kick the Can’.  This was too much for me to handle.  Why?  I will come to that shortly. 

The second inspiration came while writing a paper on childhood obesity.  In the back of my mind, I had always noticed what seemed to be an increase in this problem, but never paid too much attention to it.  As I researched this topic, I was amazed on how bad the problem really has become.  I will not bore you with the lengthy facts and details, but childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions.  This is partially due to the increase in fast food and video games that cause a lack of exercise, poor food choices, and overall decreased health.  The adverse effects of childhood obesity are too strong to be ignored.

The combination of this dilemma and children’s unawareness of these outdoor games felt like a smack in the face.  The games in this book are simply too much fun and offer too many positive rewards to be set aside for video games.  It bothers me to think that kids are not outside enjoying them. 

Let me briefly describe my childhood and it might help to explain my enthusiasm for the games included in this book.  I grew up in a neighborhood which I loved tremendously.  This is mostly due to the activities in which I found myself involved.  Every night after dinner, and often during the day, kids from all over the neighborhood would come out and gather near my house.  If people did not meet, we would go out and find anyone and everyone.  Each time, we would all organize a large game for everyone to play.  I will not discuss which games (because they are all described in this book!), but I loved them all.  It was not just the games, but getting together with friends, making new friends, exercising, being outside, and doing a fun activity that made the process so enjoyable.  Other kids felt the exact same way.  This is why no one could stay away. 

The more I thought about how much fun I used to have, the more amazed I was that many kids are not enjoying these activities.  When I look back upon growing up, these games are a large part of my memories.  Once children get into a routine of playing the games in this book, it should elate them as it did me.  Even if children already know some games, this book offers an enormous variety of new, exciting games that children can learn and play.

I want all children to share in the positive memories that I had.  Learning and playing these games will be great for kids in more ways than you can imagine.  It might take a little effort at first, learning the games and getting other children to play, but once kids start learning these exciting games, they will not want to stop.  Do not be afraid to go find kids and coerce them outside for some fun.  More and more children from the neighborhood will start to get involved.  Everyone will begin looking forward to playing and will meet more often.  Instead of sitting around inside, kids can meet each other, make friends, get exercise, and have a ton of fun!  This is what childhood is all about.  Kids need to get back outside, exercise, and love it...and this book is the guide!