As my kids started playing youth soccer, it stunned me the difference between their experience and mine. It used to be we would get dropped off at the field an hour early, run around everywhere, eventually play the game, then run around again until we were dragged away. Now, it is show up in time for the warmup, game, leave.
This has proven to be the common pattern. Everything is event driven -- kids go to practice, they leave. They go to a friend's house at a certain time, then leave. Play dates are scheduled. There is no just meet outside.
We've even ruined adulthood. My parents and their friends would drop in on each other without calling ahead first. I was shocked to discover this wasn't normal when I grew up. Who puts the unprepared house ahead of seeing a friend?
This has proven to be the common pattern. Everything is event driven -- kids go to practice, they leave. They go to a friend's house at a certain time, then leave. Play dates are scheduled. There is no just meet outside.
We've even ruined adulthood. My parents and their friends would drop in on each other without calling ahead first. I was shocked to discover this wasn't normal when I grew up. Who puts the unprepared house ahead of seeing a friend?