Ah, the ’70s and ’80s—a time when life seemed simpler. Men sipped their beers, women puffed on cigarettes, and Tang and SPAM were staples in every household. Stay-at-home moms were the norm, and they embraced their roles with pride. Kids ran wild, while parents enforced the rules without hesitation. I often reminisce about those days, having grown up in that era.
Observing modern parents navigating their children’s chaos is a bit cringeworthy. When I see today’s parents asking little ones like Max and Sophia to quiet down during morning gymnastics, I can’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance. I try to keep my opinions to myself, but when rowdy kids are throwing toys and yelling while their parents chit-chat about the weather, it’s hard not to speak up. Sure, I might throw in a few passive-aggressive remarks like, “Wouldn’t it be great if kids knew how to behave?” Maybe I’m being too harsh, but honesty is key, right? We need to curb the sense of entitlement we’ve inadvertently nurtured in our kids. This isn’t meant to come across as a rant, but rather a longing for the straightforward (perhaps some might say negligent) parenting style of the past. I can almost hear our parents saying, “You’ve got it all wrong.” While they may have a point, they aren’t entirely right either. So, let’s dive in!
Playtime Was Simple
Remember when Bruce from down the street would just knock on the door to invite Rodger out to play? There were no meticulously planned playdates or frantic Google calendar notifications. Instead, Mom would call out to Bruce, and off they’d go, using their imaginations with nothing but sticks, stones, and trees. Today’s kids seem to have lost that creativity, drowning in a sea of pre-packaged entertainment. Parents have become the activity coordinators, while kids struggle to figure out how to entertain themselves.
Toys Were Just Toys
Back in the day, toys like Slinkys and Shrinky Dinks ruled. Sure, they’re still around, but they’ve mostly been overshadowed by the allure of electronics. Our version of technology was simple games like Battleship or Simon. Kids would spin around until they felt dizzy, and it was a blast! Nowadays, with the iPads, Xboxes, and Kindles, kids are constantly seeking the next best thing. One birthday gift quickly becomes obsolete, leading parents into a cycle of guilt and competition.
Saturday Morning Cartoons Were a Big Deal
Saturday mornings were magical! We’d indulge in sugary cereal, a rare treat, and watch cartoons until lunchtime. My daughter can easily binge-watch her favorites at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday. Growing up, we had to make the most of our limited cartoon time, watching whatever our parents allowed. I was raised on a mix of soap operas and sitcoms that taught me life’s little intricacies. Today’s shows often seem outlandish by comparison.
Kids Followed Their Parents’ Lead
Options were rare when I was a kid. If my parents decided we were going to the beach, we hopped into the car ready for a day of sun and fun—no questions asked. We trusted our parents’ word that it would be an enjoyable experience, even if we returned home sunburned. I miss those days when catchphrases like “I’ll give you something to cry about” filled the air, instead of “No dessert tonight” and “You’ll have an early bedtime.”
Food Wasn’t Organic
Food choices were simpler back then. We didn’t obsess over organic ingredients or gluten-free diets. We happily devoured SPAM and Fluffernutter sandwiches. Kids weren’t facing endless allergies, and dinner was a mandatory affair—no excuses. We learned to say please and thank you, and there were no exceptions.
The Family Pet Was Just a Dog
Dogs were simply dogs, with names like Max and Duke. They didn’t wear costumes or have Instagram accounts. They were part of the family, and their place was clear. My kids know they’re children, and I’m their parent. No scheduling playdates for the dog here!
I admit, I’m guilty of many of the things I’ve mentioned. Sure, I might be a hypocrite, but aren’t we all in some way? My hope is to find a balance between the carefree parenting of the past and the overly involved style of today. Parenting is challenging, and we all do our best to navigate it—no matter the decade.
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Summary
The parenting landscape has changed drastically since the ’70s and ’80s. Back then, playtime was spontaneous, toys were simple, and Saturday morning cartoons were a cherished ritual. Children followed their parents’ lead without question, and food choices were uncomplicated. Today, parenting often feels more complicated, with increased expectations and technology. While I may find myself guilty of modern parenting trends, my desire is to strike a balance between the carefree style of the past and the hyper-involved approach of today.