If I didn’t have it in 1977, neither will you.
My children are convinced that the 1970s represent the absolute worst period in history. When their father and I share stories from our own childhoods, they respond with a mix of disbelief and sympathy, but mostly, I see relief on their faces that they will never experience such a time. When they question why we engaged in what they perceive as mundane activities, they often respond in unison, “because there was nothing else to do.”
Despite their sarcastic remarks about my upbringing, I generally have wonderful kids. However, like all children, they occasionally need consequences for their actions. As a result, I resort to the one place they dread the most: the 1970s.
In our household, the ’70s serve as the ultimate punishment—a last resort for serious infractions. It doesn’t take long for them to grasp the lesson.
Some parents prefer to avoid punishment altogether, believing in the importance of discussing behavior, reasoning with their children, and presenting their viewpoint. While I agree that these are valid approaches, I also recognize that some situations demand a more straightforward response. When children venture into the world, they will encounter consequences for their actions, and it’s my responsibility to prepare them for that reality.
If your kids are like mine, they’re fully aware of their wrongdoings and the house rules. Yet, in moments of impulse, they sometimes choose to disregard them. I understand this choice—I was a child once too. While I always hoped I wouldn’t get caught, I believe discipline is essential. After trying discussions and various forms of punishment, I found that consequences ultimately resonate the most.
The idea of sending my kids back in time evolved as a punishment when I realized that traditional methods weren’t effective. Initially, I used the classic “Go to the corner!”—a remnant from my own school days. I was quite familiar with facing the wall while my classmates occupied the other corners. However, I quickly discovered that my kids would simply lie down, daydream, or grab a book, rendering this method ineffective.
As they grew older, I attempted “Go to your room!” Unfortunately, with cell phones and laptops at their disposal, their rooms became more of a sanctuary than a punishment. When I called them to come out, they would cheerfully declare, “That’s okay, Mom, I think I’ll just stay here.”
Finally, I resorted to the most dreaded punishment of my youth: “You are grounded!” Yet this, too, fell flat. In an age filled with communication devices, being “grounded” was hardly a deterrent. Kids today seem to enjoy their home life and the company of their parents far more than we ever did, making this form of punishment feel more like an inconvenience than a penalty.
After reflecting on my children’s reactions to our nostalgic stories, I realized the answer was right in front of me. When my youngest son remarked, “I would hate to have been a kid then,” I knew I had found my strategy.
I don’t believe in surprise punishments, as kids should perceive us as stable and predictable. So, I made the rules clear: if they break any major family rule—such as lying or showing disrespect—they would be sent back to the ’70s.
If I didn’t have it in 1977, they won’t have it in 2015. Sure, enjoy network television. Go ahead and use the landline phone that you never touch. We had a microwave oven back then, but I’m pretty sure Bagel Bites and Hot Pockets hadn’t been invented yet, so perhaps they should just grab an apple.
Here’s a brief list of what will be off-limits: cell phones, computers, DVDs, GPS (time to pull out a map), iPods, Xbox consoles, iPads, Kindles, Netflix, HBO, cable TV, and the kicker in our house: ESPN. Yes, boys, sports were only on network channels, and games were broadcast once on weekends.
I make exceptions for safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes—that’s a parental prerogative. My kids have certainly not enjoyed their trips back in time. Although many children fantasize about time travel, my kids find it utterly unappealing. Nevertheless, within our family, this imaginative punishment has proven to be the most effective.
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In summary, my unconventional approach to discipline—sending my children back to the 1970s—has proven effective in teaching them the consequences of their actions. While it may sound whimsical, it serves to illustrate the importance of understanding rules, accountability, and the lessons that come from choices.