Your cart is currently empty!
I Can’t Picture Raising My Kids Anywhere But New York City
This morning, my wife sent me a frantic text because she couldn’t locate her membership card for the Staten Island Children’s Museum, where she planned to take our kids. Later, she sent a picture of our 7-month-old trying to gnaw on a toy that was probably crawling with germs. I couldn’t help but reply with a jab about my son’s goofy antics and asked which museum she ended up at, knowing full well she had never found the card.
Turns out, she went to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum instead. She had intended to go to Staten Island, but could only find her membership card for the science museum in Queens (which, let’s be honest, is basically a children’s museum too). Meanwhile, my little one had his heart set on visiting the Museum of Natural History for the fifth time, or perhaps the NY Transit Museum for the 50th, or even that science museum in New Jersey we visited when we saw R2D2. All of these fabulous spots are less than an hour from our Brooklyn home.
Her choices were nearly endless.
Just last weekend, we hopped on a ferry to Governor’s Island so my 5-year-old could slide his heart out at the new park there. After that, we returned and spent some time at Brooklyn Bridge Park. On our way home, we had to physically drag my son away from three different playgrounds in Prospect Park. This variety is what keeps us in the city.
A few years back, we took the same route many do and left the hustle and bustle for the suburbs, lured by the promise of lower living costs and more space. However, after a year and a half in Raleigh, we realized that while the issues of city living still existed—yes, it’s pricey, and no, we probably won’t be buying a house anytime soon—our brief taste of suburban life didn’t cut it. It’s nothing against Raleigh; we have great friends there and love visiting. But despite our desire for more room and lower expenses, the suburban life just wasn’t for us.
Both my wife and I grew up in quieter settings. I hail from suburban Connecticut, and she’s a product of rural Pennsylvania. A childhood in the vibrant chaos of New York City is a far cry from our own upbringings, and I never expected to raise my kids in such an environment. To be honest, I worry about them taking the subway to school, and it stings to think they won’t be riding dirt bikes down wooded trails like I did. But every choice comes with trade-offs. For all the experiences they might miss, they’ll gain countless others.
We may lack a sprawling yard (though we’re lucky to have even a small one), but the abundance of parks and green spaces nearby is more than enough for us. Sure, we might not have as much room, but who needs that when we have easy access to everything? From endless parks and museums to a smorgasbord of food options, my kids are going to have a life filled with experiences.
The cultural richness and diversity the city offers are invaluable, and the convenience is simply unmatched. At this point, the thought of moving back to a small town or suburb feels completely unimaginable. If you’re interested in exploring more about family life and parenting, check out this post on home insemination kits. For more guidance on pregnancy and insemination, this resource is excellent. And if you’re considering options, Make a Mom has some great insights on the available tools.
In summary, while city life has its challenges, the opportunities and experiences it provides for my children far outweigh any concerns. New York City has become our perfect playground, and I can’t imagine raising my kids anywhere else.