As Beverly Cleary celebrates her 100th birthday, she reflects on how childhood has transformed over the decades. Known for her endearing children’s literature, many of us grew up feeling a connection with her characters; I, for one, always admired the adventurous spirit of Ramona Quimby.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Cleary shared her thoughts on this significant milestone. “Feel free to celebrate,” she said. “Everyone else is.” And rightly so—100 years is a remarkable achievement! For many of us, memories of Beezus and Ramona are intertwined with our own childhood experiences.
Cleary expressed concern about how today’s children navigate their formative years. “I believe kids today face challenges we didn’t, largely because they lack the freedom to roam around like I did. Their schedules are packed with activities,” she noted. She reminisced about a time when children could explore freely outside their homes, highlighting that, back then, most mothers were present at home, keeping an eye on the neighborhood kids.
While it’s tempting to romanticize those days of yore, it’s crucial to acknowledge that many women today choose careers outside the home. This shift doesn’t mean that community support has to vanish, though. We still have neighbors, and fostering those connections can help recreate that sense of a “village” looking out for one another.
Cleary’s perspective emphasizes the importance of collective care in child-rearing. It doesn’t have to be just mothers who watch over the kids; fathers, grandparents, or even nannies can participate in this communal responsibility. Why not encourage a renewed sense of vigilance and support among us all?
Now residing in a retirement community in Northern California, Cleary mentioned she prefers writing letters instead of using a computer. “At 99 years old, there aren’t many folks left to correspond with,” she mused.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Cleary for her timeless stories and for reminding us of a time when community connections were stronger. One can only wonder how Ramona would have fared if she were confined indoors all day or rushing from one engagement to another. It’s a thought that brings a shiver—after all, Ramona The Brave could easily become Ramona The Bored.
In conclusion, as we celebrate Beverly Cleary’s remarkable legacy, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can foster a more connected environment for our children today. It’s not impossible to return to that sense of togetherness, even in our busy lives—sometimes, it just takes a little extra effort.