I'm going to share this with the programming folks at my church. We are at a real crossroads, being the rare urban parish that is actually growing, largely because of families with young kids, but it comes with tension. The older more tenured parishioners are resentful at times of the noise, the chaos, and the communications and programming targeting (it sometimes feels like to them) exclusively families with kids. I think some of these ideas could go a long way making the "old timers" feel like they haven't disappeared, whilst building bonds across the generations.
💯. What a great example. It takes work but you can design for connection and it’s better for ALL. (And, of course, in any community with difference stage whispers: every community, there will also be trade-offs.)
will do. The childrens' minister replied with "this is wonderful! thank you for sharing" so we'll see...I get sad when some of the old timers tell me they consider not going to church or fellowship b/c of all the kid chaos, so it would be great if we can be intentional in changing the dynamic a little.
My word, this post made me teary. (Full disclosure, I have been under the weather and my emotional and verbal filter may be shredded, but still.) I, already and for quite some time, considered you two amongst the most brilliant and constructive people I am aware of in the world. And as a middle-aged pediatrician who struggles with the phenomenon of “all about the kids or no kids” on a regular basis, while simultaneously bemoaning our culture’s emphasis on doing everything “independently,” and being a seemingly futile advocate against this approach to raising children (seriously, it actually does “take a village,” and that could be both normal and fun if we approached it differently!), this post literally made me want to jump up and dance. Except I feel like cr** so that’s not happening lol .Thank you. So very delighted and grateful you are here.
These ideas are incredible. Especially with the holidays coming up. I task my grandson with a basket to take up cell phones for dinner. He takes it very seriously and it also teaches him how important it is to be present .I need to find ideas for the other toddlers. My grandson is 5 and my granddaughters are 3 and 2.
This speaks to my soul! Two of the things I’m most proud of in my life are the two intergenerational community theater programs my husband and I began in different communities we lived in. As a therapist and member of my towns town council, I’m trying so hard to focus on creating opportunities for people to connect meaningfully. So much of what I have focused on over the last few years has been inspired by “The Art of Gathering” and while I have a dinner project in the works for adults, this post has reminded me of how powerful those opportunities are for intergenerational engagement at all levels. This weekend we are hosting a fundraiser for me and a board of education candidate and will have yard games and crafts as we are appealing to families. I now have some new ideas for shift it away from “these are activities to keep kids busy” to really engaging all ages in the different experiences. Thank you for your work and your passion around GATHERING. 🙏🏻
After reading this post, that same night, my 7 year old daughter had to attend a Junior League event with me. Instead of just brining a bag of books to enterain her, I asked her to introduce herself to at least 10 women attending, ask their name, and then ask "In one word, what does Junior League mean to you?" The responses were "community, friendship, fun, and growth." My daughter was so proud of herself and the women she spoke to appreciated the moment to reflect. Thanks for sharing!
I'm going to share this with the programming folks at my church. We are at a real crossroads, being the rare urban parish that is actually growing, largely because of families with young kids, but it comes with tension. The older more tenured parishioners are resentful at times of the noise, the chaos, and the communications and programming targeting (it sometimes feels like to them) exclusively families with kids. I think some of these ideas could go a long way making the "old timers" feel like they haven't disappeared, whilst building bonds across the generations.
💯. What a great example. It takes work but you can design for connection and it’s better for ALL. (And, of course, in any community with difference stage whispers: every community, there will also be trade-offs.)
Let me know how it goes!
will do. The childrens' minister replied with "this is wonderful! thank you for sharing" so we'll see...I get sad when some of the old timers tell me they consider not going to church or fellowship b/c of all the kid chaos, so it would be great if we can be intentional in changing the dynamic a little.
My word, this post made me teary. (Full disclosure, I have been under the weather and my emotional and verbal filter may be shredded, but still.) I, already and for quite some time, considered you two amongst the most brilliant and constructive people I am aware of in the world. And as a middle-aged pediatrician who struggles with the phenomenon of “all about the kids or no kids” on a regular basis, while simultaneously bemoaning our culture’s emphasis on doing everything “independently,” and being a seemingly futile advocate against this approach to raising children (seriously, it actually does “take a village,” and that could be both normal and fun if we approached it differently!), this post literally made me want to jump up and dance. Except I feel like cr** so that’s not happening lol .Thank you. So very delighted and grateful you are here.
These ideas are incredible. Especially with the holidays coming up. I task my grandson with a basket to take up cell phones for dinner. He takes it very seriously and it also teaches him how important it is to be present .I need to find ideas for the other toddlers. My grandson is 5 and my granddaughters are 3 and 2.
This speaks to my soul! Two of the things I’m most proud of in my life are the two intergenerational community theater programs my husband and I began in different communities we lived in. As a therapist and member of my towns town council, I’m trying so hard to focus on creating opportunities for people to connect meaningfully. So much of what I have focused on over the last few years has been inspired by “The Art of Gathering” and while I have a dinner project in the works for adults, this post has reminded me of how powerful those opportunities are for intergenerational engagement at all levels. This weekend we are hosting a fundraiser for me and a board of education candidate and will have yard games and crafts as we are appealing to families. I now have some new ideas for shift it away from “these are activities to keep kids busy” to really engaging all ages in the different experiences. Thank you for your work and your passion around GATHERING. 🙏🏻
After reading this post, that same night, my 7 year old daughter had to attend a Junior League event with me. Instead of just brining a bag of books to enterain her, I asked her to introduce herself to at least 10 women attending, ask their name, and then ask "In one word, what does Junior League mean to you?" The responses were "community, friendship, fun, and growth." My daughter was so proud of herself and the women she spoke to appreciated the moment to reflect. Thanks for sharing!