The 1970s and ’80s represented a unique era in parenting. Men often enjoyed a drink, women had a penchant for cigarettes, and many delighted in Tang and SPAM. The role of stay-at-home mothers was widely accepted, and children were free to be just that—children. Reflecting on that time brings a sense of nostalgia.
As I observe today’s parents navigate the needs of their children—like asking little ones named Aiden and Bella to quiet down during morning gymnastics classes—I can’t help but cringe. I often find myself biting my tongue to avoid voicing my opinions about modern parenting styles. However, when I witness children being disruptive—throwing blocks or yelling while their parents chat about the weather—I occasionally let out some passive-aggressive comments. Perhaps it’s not the most gracious approach, but I believe it’s time to address the entitlement we’ve instilled in our children. This isn’t meant as a rant; rather, I long for the straightforward, if not somewhat neglectful, parenting methods of the past. Our own parents might whisper, “You’re doing it wrong,” and while they wouldn’t be entirely accurate, there is some truth to their sentiments.
Play Was Unstructured
In those days, play was effortless. Kids simply went outside when a friend knocked, with no need for elaborate scheduling or playdates. My mother would call for my friend Mike, and we would head out to explore with nothing but our imaginations. Today, children seem to lack the ability to entertain themselves as they are often bogged down by structured activities.
When lunch was ready, mothers would holler for us to come home, and we would obey without question. There were no options for what to eat; it was simply what was served. My own child, sitting behind me, often exclaims, “I don’t know what to play,” reminding me that today’s kids have lost the art of boredom.
Toys Were Simple
Toys back then were straightforward and often required creativity. While Slinkys and Shrinky Dinks are still around, they have largely been overshadowed by the digital age. Our form of electronics included games like Battleship or Simple Simon, which engaged us physically and mentally. I fondly remember the Lite-Brite, which, despite its challenges, sparked creativity in a way today’s gadgets don’t. Now, children are constantly bombarded with the latest iPads and gaming consoles, leaving little room for imaginative play.
Cartoons Were a Saturday Morning Treat
Saturday mornings were sacred. We indulged in sugary cereals and spent hours glued to the TV, watching cartoons. These days, cartoons are available around the clock, which significantly diminishes their specialness. When my child falls ill, I have several viewing options available at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday, a far cry from my own Saturday morning lineup, which consisted of a few cherished shows.
Obedience Was Assumed
In those times, children did what they were told without question. If our parents said we were going to the beach, we piled into the car and accepted it as fact. There was no negotiation or discussion. Today, parenting often involves bargaining, and children are presented with choices that they never had before.
Food Was Less Complicated
The food landscape has drastically changed. While we indulged in SPAM and Kool-Aid, today’s parents must navigate a minefield of dietary restrictions and organic choices. Simplicity ruled the day back then; meals were straightforward, and we were expected to finish everything on our plates without exception.
Pets Were Just Pets
Dogs were simply dogs, often given traditional names like Max or Buddy. They didn’t wear costumes or attend therapy; they were just there to be loyal companions. Nowadays, pets are often treated more like family members than animals, which can blur the lines of responsibility.
I admit that I have fallen into some of these modern traps myself. It’s easy to be a hypocrite in today’s parenting climate. However, I aspire to strike a balance between the carefree parenting of the past and the overly involved styles of the present. Parenting is undoubtedly challenging, and we all strive to do our best, regardless of the era.
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Summary
The parenting landscape has transformed since the 1970s and ’80s, with significant differences in how children play, learn, and interact with their environment. While modern conveniences and choices abound, there’s value in remembering the simplicity of childhood experiences from that era. Striking a balance between the carefree parenting of the past and the more involved approaches of today may create a healthier environment for future generations.