Every major city opens up a world of great opportunities for parents and children. The advantages relate not only to the possibility of personal growth but also open up the world of leisure and entertainment. These positive aspects attract people from different parts of the country. However, life in large cities also has a downside to the coin. High information load, unfavourable environmental situation, sedentary lifestyle, emotional overload – these and other aspects have a negative impact on the still fragile, growing body of the baby. We will talk about the positive and negative aspects of life in large cities, how to find a way out of the situation and find a balance for the development of the child and minimise the negative impact of the world around him.
Let’s start with the CONS:
Ecological situation
The unfavourable ecological situation in cities is explained by the high concentration of pollutants in megalopolises. Automotive traffic, industrial pollution with industrial waste, deforestation, and many other factors lead to an increase in carbon dioxide concentration and a decrease in oxygen concentration.
Lack of oxygen causes the development of hypoxia (insufficient supply to the cells of the body). The consequence of oxygen deficiency is a decrease in concentration, drowsiness, and increased fatigue.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should start packing your things right away. Following a few tips will reduce the negative impact of this problem.
Walking
Daily walks, at least an hour or two a day, will enrich the blood with the necessary oxygen. Walking to school will allow the child to wake up completely, increase concentration on school material, and start metabolism. Taking a walk after school with a parent, family member, or friend will provide an opportunity to shift attention, and the child will re-energise for homework. It is recommended to devote twenty to thirty minutes to walk before bedtime. During this time, you can have time to take stock of the day, make plans for the new day, discuss what parents and the child will do on the weekend, share emotions and impressions. Thus, several useful points are addressed at once – enriching the blood with oxygen, maintaining muscle tone, establishing contact with the child and training communication skills.
Trips to nature
Trips to nature, out of town are both an acquaintance with a new world, with nature, and new impressions. If possible, it is recommended to travel away from large cities – to places where the ecological situation will have a positive impact on the whole family. Picnics and walks in parks, which, moreover, are equipped with different types of entertainment, will be a great time for both parents and children.
Allergens
The concentration of allergic substances in cities is much higher than in the regions. People of all ages, including children in megacities, are prone to the development of multi-allergies – a condition when an allergic reaction occurs to several allergens at once. Timely identification of the type of allergy will minimise, and in some cases, exclude contact with allergens, as well as prepare in advance for their effects.
Information load
In the modern world, the impact of the information field is inevitable, it is everywhere. Television and radio broadcasts, mobile devices and modern gadgets are ubiquitous. This is not only an opportunity for the development of the child’s mental abilities and the need to comply with the surrounding world but also colossal stress for the body.
To reduce the load on the nervous system, parents must dose the information load that they can influence. If you use electrical appliances in the daytime, long before going to bed, this will avoid over excitation, and your child will not be overloaded with information.
Now, let’s talk about the PROS:
Advanced medicine
A definite plus of a big city is a well-developed healthcare infrastructure. This, of course, does not mean at all that there are no good doctors in small towns. But the choice and equipment of medical institutions in a big city are certainly better.
Cultural education
Numerous historical monuments and museums, stunning examples of architecture, theatres, exhibitions – big cities offer a lot. But, undoubtedly, parents will have to make a lot of effort so that their child really takes all the best from cultural heritage. On Sunday, you will not have to relax on the sofa in front of the TV, but together go for a walk in historical places, buy tickets to concerts and theatres, take your child on excursions.
There is something to keep the child busy
Places of creativity and technology, youth centres, youth organisations offer city children so many interesting activities that their head is spinning! Here you have beading, and robotics, swimming, and tennis. Music schools, art, sports and theatre studios… The most important thing is not to overdo it in your desire to be in time for everything at once.
Lots of events, lots of fun
It cannot be boring in a big city. If someone is bored, then they are just lazy. Something is constantly happening. You can always find entertainment to your liking. Large cities, of course, offer the most fun: amusement parks, racetracks, a zoo, 3-D cinema, a water park… Just don’t forget that it is important that the child does not grow up as a consumer of entertainment!
Education is better!
Its level, of course, depends on the school and on the dedication of the child himself. But the choice of kindergarten, school, a high school in a large city is undoubtedly much greater. There is a great opportunity for your kids to start learning from an early age. In a large city, you can easily find excellent child care, which may not be the case with smaller cities.
Conclusion
Sometimes it happens that children are more overwhelmed than their parents. Six days of schooling, lessons of six to eight hours every day, additional sections and courses. There is not always time for games and walks. You should pay close attention to the physical and emotional capabilities of your child, listen to his desires, and also give the opportunity to fully rest and recuperate. And then the child will grow up not only fully developed but also healthy and happy, no matter where you live.
