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Re: Goals of Childhood

Re: Goals of Childhood

06/14/12 - posted by Tim Dineen

I had an employee at UCSF - a Food Service Worker who was mainly a dishwasher for the cafeteria - who seriously thought his job was the most stressful job in the department. While the job had its rules and requirements, the last thing it had was pressure. He was not being graded or timed on plates per minute. Other employees wanted to do the job when he was off because it was one of the easier positions in the department. He created his stress.

And yes, gardeners in GG Park have their share of it. Their work is on display for the entire world - and everyone is a critic. I remember more than one story in the Chron or Ex that ragged on the Rec & Park Dept for only maintaining the areas of the park along the main roads.

And anyone who has ever worked for the city also knows that if they're not working at 115% efficiency at all times, someone is going to call or write a letter.

But your note hits upon another issue. Are we searching for perfection in our kids, their playgrounds, their ability to play what is supposed to be a game?

Are we creating stress in our kids because they can't just go play soccer on the grass in the park? They need a perfect playing surface so they can play a perfect game? And then are we making it elitist because the kids now need grass cleats and artificial turf cleats - neither of which are cheap?

What is the cost - environmentally, physically, and emotionally?

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