maybe the kids get the idea that playing in the streets is safe because of all the adults that walk in the streets RIGHT NEXT TO THE SIDEWALK (GRRR). I see this as a daily happening in Monsey. Narrow winding roads and some person (not gender specific) is walking in the road (with cars coming in both directions) right next to the sidewalk.
recently, traffic permitting, I stop and suggest that they use the sidewalk.