Letting the ‘flock’ fly free

According to Wiki, a group of children is either a “flock,” or a “bundle”. Doesn’t sound right to me. Surely some of the other group names feel more fitting? A ‘mob’ of Emu, a ‘crash’ of Hippo or even a ‘colony’ of bacteria!? Anyway, we’ve just got back from a fabulous weekend at Elderflower Fields Festival with some lovely friends and a ‘flock’ (or ‘bundle’) of kids. Our squawking ‘flock’ consisted of about 12 kids or various ages between 1 and 11. They all got on so well, not a squabble or moan all weekend. For us, with a 3 and almost 8 year old it can be tricky. They want to do different things and their dad and I often find it easier to take one each and keep them busy. Which generally mean, not a lot of time to relax. Elderflower is a little festival, so letting our eldest go off and explore with some friends was super exciting for her but small enough for us to find her if we needed to. Watching the youngest build new friendships and nervously letting the older kids go and explore made me think about how I used to take off after breakfast as a child and only come home when my tummy told me to. I wasn’t as lucky as Jo, Bess and Fanny to be packed off with sandwiches wrapped in brown paper and lashings of ginger beer. And, I’m not quite that old. After my floppy lemon curd sandwiches, viscount biscuit and a daily dose of Mr Ben, off I’d go again, back when the sun went down. Much is said in the media these days about how unsafe the streets are. Horrible stories fill us with fear. How can we let our kids out of our sight in such a dreadfully scary world? So what’s changed? Is it that our parents didn’t care? To busy? Has the world really changed that much? Or is the media hype to blame? Of course there is danger. Life is not all rainbows and unicorns, but kids need to fly free a little to help them find themselves. Seeing how happy Daisy was spending time exploring or just sitting in the woods talking with friends made me sure that it was the right choice. Kids are all different of course and we are lucky to have a reasonably sensible little girl who I am very proud of. Spread your wings and fly little bird… …but not too far.

12 Responses to “Letting the ‘flock’ fly free”

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1 Gammon and Chips June 2, 2013 at 21:29

Love the pic of Hunny and Chips! What a brilliant festival. I can’t wait until next year so we can let our flock fly free again! X

2 Jaime Oliver June 3, 2013 at 22:45

this looks amazing and it looks like you all had such a fantastic time!

thanks for linking up with #magicmoments xx

3 FestivalKidz.com (@FestivalKidz) June 5, 2013 at 09:31

How lovely to read this – I’m all in favour of letting kids have a little more freedom to explore. So important for them to be empowered to make their own decisions and to learn about personal safety and their limitations.
Sounds a gorgeous little festival too… We really must try that one out one year. xx

- 4 a field somewhere June 5, 2013 at 21:10
  
  It was really lovely and relaxing. Much easier knowing that you can track your kids down if you need to. We are having the big ‘Glastonbury’ debate at the moment in our house. Love it but not sure I have the energy with 2 little ones again. Small and easy is really winning for me these days.
  
5 Jess June 5, 2013 at 15:11

It’s a hard one isn’t it….but I think you are being sensible and by letting her do ‘controlled’ free stuff it will prepare her for the other steps that all our kids have to make #magicmoments

6 Coombe Mill (Fiona) (@coombemill) June 5, 2013 at 21:35

Sounds like a great weekend helped no doubt by the weather. Nothing has changed since our childhood except our concerns as parents. I remember doing so much more than my children at their ages and I think mine do better than most with the freedom of the farm. Lovely that you felt safe enough to let your eldest wonder with friends at the festival. Children do need a little freedom and responsibility. Thanks for sharing a great weekend and some parenting thoughts on Country Kids.

7 Nichola fabfortymum June 24, 2013 at 15:13

What a gorgeous little festival and judging by all the happy smiling, you had a brilliant time 🙂

- 8 a field somewhere June 24, 2013 at 17:51
  
  Thanks for dropping by @afieldsomewhere
  
9 Karen Bell (@karenattwinlife) August 21, 2013 at 18:15

Sounds like a great festival, where the kids really can be kids and get back to experiencing life for themselves and their childhood. I bet they had fun!

Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids x

10 spicers1976 August 23, 2013 at 08:02

I’d love to go away with friends and all the kids, they would have such a great time