Rotterdam is one the few big cities that has taken seriously the goal of becoming more child-friendly. Its ambitious planning policies have been debated in the National Assembly for Wales (see this web page and the links from it for some English-language material). Its public space improvement projects have been lauded at international conferences (indeed in 2008 it hosted Child in the City, a leading global cross-disciplinary event). What is more, unlike some other Child-Friendly City initiatives, it focuses on hard outcomes that make a real difference in children’s lives – better parks, improved walking and cycling networks, wider pavements – and not just on participation processes that, however well-intentioned, may end up being idle wheels. I have visited Rotterdam and seen the impressive results at first-hand, and have promoted the city’s work in presentations. Yet according to one scholar, the city’s progressive stance hides a more sinister goal: the marginalisation and relocation of poor families.
“When it snows, children take over the city: they sleigh, throw snowballs, make snowmen and are more visible than ever. But what a city needs for its children has to be more durable than snow.”
On my visit to Moscow last week, I witnessed an intriguing sight as I was crossing a bridge near the city centre. A little girl and her mother were walking towards me. As they went past, the girl stooped down to make a snowball, and then she threw it playfully towards her mother. Not very noteworthy, you may think – except that it was minus 6 degrees Centigrade, with a biting wind and eight lanes of Moscow traffic roaring by just metres away from us. You could not have asked for a clearer example of children’s appetite for play, regardless of their circumstances. So how well does Russia’s capital satisfy that appetite – how child-friendly is it?
About Rethinking Childhood
This website is managed by Tim Gill. Tim is interested in the changing nature of childhood. His work - which embraces writing, independent research, consultancy and public speaking - aims to have a positive impact on children's everyday lives.Search this website
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Tim’s twitter feed
- How to turn a car park into a park for people. ow.ly/ljQ1V Idea from @samscam. HT @suecooksheff 8 hours ago
- RT @ProfSLHolloway: Thanks to John, Peter, Sarah et al. for organising a stimulating discussion about diverse form of play #playinausterity 1 day ago
- "Can we recreate a community of practice for childrearing?" Arthur Battram-my fave quote from #playinausterity 1 day ago
- Nice 2 hear MT @hiltonchildcare: I agree @dadzclub - did dissertation on play, risk taking with toddlers. Inspired by @timrgill + @ProfTanya 3 days ago
- RT @lisaaburman: Privilege to work with EChO committee - watch out 4 amazing Aug conf with @timrgill & Adam Bienenstock: Risky Business! 3 days ago
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