I grew up in Northeast Philadelphia where a lot of the houses are row homes, we definitely weren't rich but we had everything we needed and more. I lived in the city and so we definitely didn't live miles away from our friends. We often lived directly next door, or a few houses down, maybe across the street, or even a few blocks down, but we had our friends close. Living in a row home I had so many neighbors, who of course now are all older, but at one point was a span of kids from ages 5-18 and we all had a blast together. I strongly believe that I wouldn't of had as fun of a childhood had we not lived in a row home. I am so glad I grew up where I did because…
1. My friends were literally next door to me, yup like 5 feet.
This was the best thing because we would literally rush home from school in a hurry to get our homework done and be out the door playing until dinner. We also could run outside after opening presents Christmas morning and share what we got with our closest friends.
2. I didn't have to worry about asking my parents to drive me somewhere.
Yeah once I got older I of course wanted to venture off more places, but usually I walked everywhere I needed to go with my friends who were also my neighbors.
3. I had a group of friends who walked to and from school with me.
We all lived close together, so we all went to the same school, and instead of being driven we just all walked together, or maybe car pooled if it was raining. But it was still a better time walking in groups.
4. I had the option for a sleepover every weekend, where my mom would never say no because we were only a few houses down.
I feel like now parents are always having to ask to meet the parents first, or talk to them, but we never really ran into that issue because all of our parents knew each other.
5. The people we lived on a block with were basically our second enormous family.
Many late nights, tons of sleepovers, arguing, gossip, dance routines and more pushed everyone together. Kids were friends and so were our parents, so we were basically all one big extended family.
6. Summers were filled with tons of late nights playing manhunt or kick the can and our parents let us stay out late because they were sitting outfront too.
Parents now have to worry more about where their kids are and who they're with, but when we were younger we played so many games close by while our parents sat out drinking or talking. We had a great time wandering around.
7. We had block parties every year that were the best way to end summer.
Our block parties were superior to everything else. The day was filled with so many activities, so much food, and laughter. We all were joined by our actual families, friends, and of course all of us neighbors and we had a great time.
8. I got to grow up walking next door knocking for my friends to come out and play a game or just sit and talk.
We didn't need cell phones or social media to connect, we walked outside, knocked on our friends doors and hung out with them with no type of cellular distractions.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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