| Please enjoy the following guest post about the challenges of raising kids in an urban setting. Susan Wesley is a child psychologist and works with troubled youth in middle and high schools in NYC. She primarily deals with problematic behavior caused by the urban setting these kids are raised in and has had much success in reducing or eliminating these issues. When she's not in her office, she enjoys sipping on a cold brew in Central Park and going for a run. |  |
Raising kids, although rewarding, is a challenging experience. You need to master so many skills to be able to create a quality environment suitable for mental and physical growth. This means that you need to be a great cook, a strict life coach, a fantastic organizer, and a therapist on the side. If you add another challenge to this equation, such as living in a crowded city, you'll have your hands full. However, even though raising kids in an urban setting comes with its set of difficulties, this doesn't mean that it cannot be done. Luckily, so many have been there before you. It would be best if you learned from their mistakes instead of your own.
Raising a kid in an urban setting is often expensive
Practically anything you do will be a tad more expensive if you're raising a kid in an urban setting. However, seeing how there are plentiful job opportunities, the minor things won't affect you much. Nevertheless, some will. There's a lot that's more costly in the city, but educational options, in particular, have a more significant impact than most parents realize. When you live in a busy city, the whole subject of private versus public school comes into play, and the expense difference is considerable. The best way to deal with this is to create a great financial plan that'll allow you to see how things will pan out in the future. If you're not sure that you can do this independently, think about hiring an accountant or a financial advisor.
Transportation is tricky
Depending on the city, many means of transportation are available. Residents of big cities such as New York, Chicago, and Washington, DC use public transport, whereas suburban families rely on cars for commuting and daily activities. However, although you'll save money on transportation, there's a risk if your kids need to commute alone. You'll need to either take your kids yourself if they're younger or teach them how to behave in this type of environment. As you can see, raising kids in an urban setting often comes with many worries. It's essential to take all the necessary precautions but stay calm and collected.
Raising kids in NYC - the mother of all urban settings
Of course, something that you should consider is that not all urban settings are the same for raising kids. Some are more suitable and milder, and some are nearly impossible to tackle. NYC is one of the cities that people deem the mother of all urban settings. New York is busy, fast-paced, and a bit unforgiving. However, contrary to popular belief, NYC can be a great place to grow up. If you choose the right borough, your child can have all the opportunities it needs and then some. What's more, politicians in NYC love catering to kids' needs to collect more votes which is great news for parents.
There are heightened safety concerns in an urban setting
Depending on where you live, there could be some safety concerns. This is a big challenge when raising kids in an urban environment since you, of course, want your kid to be as safe as possible. However, if you choose a low crime rate neighborhood, things should be fine. Try to make an extra precaution-oriented plan for your kid's safety.
You need to worry about their health more
More often than not, raising kids in an urban city means raising them in a polluted setting. You will realize that you have started worrying about the air they breathe and the water they consume. However, you can try to counteract this by boosting your child's immune system and ensuring that they have a properly balanced diet. Although it's not the same, it will make a difference.
You'll be much busier in the city
Maybe the biggest challenge when raising your kids in an urban setting is that you won't have as much time as you'd like to. You'll be busier, and the overall lifestyle will be more demanding than if you lived in a smaller city or town. This is especially true if you have more kids or if you're a single parent. However, you shouldn't use this as an excuse not to find time to see your kids. If you don't overestimate your abilities and plan your time correctly, there's nothing you cannot achieve. Set your priorities straight!
Spending time outdoors can be difficult
Usually, there are fewer opportunities to spend time outdoors and dedicate your leisure time to activities in nature if you are raising children in an urban setting. However, this hugely depends on where you live. Living in NYC, per se, offers many different opportunities to get out of the busy streets and enjoy some quiet time with your family.
Check-in with your child's mental health awareness
If you're raising a child in an urban setting, there'll be more that they have to deal with daily. This can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for a child. It's essential to start with a positive outlook on life by addressing negative patterns. If you don't feel competent enough to do this, there's nothing wrong with consulting professionals trained to help children deal with these issues.
Positive sides of raising kids in an urban setting
Even though there are plenty of challenges when raising kids in an urban environment, you should also try to see the good sides. Here are some great virtues that metropolitan cities offer:
● Better educational opportunities
Your kids will get to learn from great teachers and professors. They'll also have better job opportunities later in life.
● Access to cultural and entertainment options
Your kid will never get bored or run out of things to do. Urban cities offer a variety of fun activities to try out and enjoy.
● Your kids will be more resourceful and independent
Last but not least, your kids will learn to go through tough situations in life much more quickly and efficiently.
Although there are many challenges of raising kids in an urban setting, if this is something you want or have to do, don’t be afraid. Growing up in a city comes will its own set of advantages, too. All you will need is better organization.
● Better educational opportunities
Your kids will get to learn from great teachers and professors. They'll also have better job opportunities later in life.
● Access to cultural and entertainment options
Your kid will never get bored or run out of things to do. Urban cities offer a variety of fun activities to try out and enjoy.
● Your kids will be more resourceful and independent
Last but not least, your kids will learn to go through tough situations in life much more quickly and efficiently.
Although there are many challenges of raising kids in an urban setting, if this is something you want or have to do, don’t be afraid. Growing up in a city comes will its own set of advantages, too. All you will need is better organization.
If you haven’t already read the book, it’s a great place to start - Relationship Reboot: Break free from the bad habits in your relationship.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 16-year-old son, 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old toy poodle.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 16-year-old son, 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old toy poodle.
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