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The recession and the new playground
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Pictures by Lisa Pederson
I have seen many changes in and around my community in the last year as our nation has sunk into a recession. My own family was impacted by a 4 month lay off and we have watched many people in our community go through job loss, pay cuts, and spending freezes. It is a tough thing to watch, but seeing people rally around their friends and family to help each other get through it has been a joy.
One of the changes that took me by surprise was going to the playground recently. As my friend and I pushed our children on the swings and followed them around the playground, parents started showing up with their children. Fully half of the parents were men who were out of work. I watched them group together and talk about job hunting and wanting to stay local so they wouldn't miss their children growing up.
The playground is no longer just a place where mom's can go to get emotional support in child raising and to find friends for themselves and playmates for their children. It has become a new source of support for dads to talk about their job woes and to network with other men.
I was saddened to hear the men talking about being turned down due to having too many skills, or being offered jobs that would take them away from their family for too long. They are discouraged, but are determined to put their families first and not let their children grow up without an involved father due to the economy.
To find a local playground you can go to KaBOOM, a website designed for people to let others know about playgrounds and to be able to find one in your area or an area you are traveling to.
If you don't find your favorite playground listed, you can list it and add pictures, even.
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For more info:
5 Ways to survive being laid off in the Twin Cities
5 tips for maximizing baby stuff in a recession to save money & not just do without
KaBOOM
Job seekers: when the recession ends, will you be ready?
The economy may be sick, but Minnesota's public transport system offers a glimmer of hope
5 Ways to survive being laid off in the Twin Cities
5 tips for maximizing baby stuff in a recession to save money & not just do without
KaBOOM
Job seekers: when the recession ends, will you be ready?
The economy may be sick, but Minnesota's public transport system offers a glimmer of hope
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