Learn Your Geography

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As I headed into work this morning, I was interrupted by a very bad accident blocking the road. Emergency vehicles were already on site, so I had no need to worry, but traffic was being diverted around the accident. No problem for me, but there were many drivers on the detour who did not look so confident.

I am not a native to my home community. I grew up in a different state entirely. Maybe that's why I have a good knowledge of my geography. But I also know plenty of native adults who don't know any but the most basic routes through the community.
People, learn your neighborhood!
There is no excuse for not knowing North from South, East and West. There is no reason not to know that one half the community goes to one school, while the other half goes to another because of where the family lives.

Make an adventure out of it. Turn off the GPS and take the kids for a Sunday drive. See who can get you back home. If your family is blessed with two cars and you happen to be out in both of them, challenge the other car to a safe race. A prize for the most creative route home. And teach your kids that it's OK to get lost now and then, OK to find the way back, and OK to ask for directions.

And, if all else fails, you can always follow that Heavenly Blue Line (aka Google Maps).

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