By: Sarah Jenkins
Do you ever feel like our parents had it a whole lot easier when it came to parenting? I definitely do. Sure, we’re grateful that our kids are healthier and safer, but sometimes I can’t help but think I’d be more relaxed if I were raising kids in a different era. Here are ten ways our folks seemed to have it made:
- Babysitters? No Thanks! Back in the day, kids were practically part of the furniture at adult gatherings. Parties filled with smoking and drinks? No problem! Kids roamed free, playing games like “Ghosts in the Graveyard.” Nowadays, you’d be lucky to escape the judgment of others if you even considered bringing your little ones to a party.
- Car Seats? What’s That? My dad would simply toss me in the backseat, and I’d find my own spot—often wedged between the seats. Now, we struggle with endless car seat regulations and safety straps. Imagine the simplicity of just hopping into the car without a second thought!
- No Pressure to Entertain My parents never felt it was their job to entertain me. My siblings and I played together for hours, crafting our own fun. In contrast, today’s parents are often expected to be the ultimate entertainers for their kids, which can be exhausting.
- Vices? No Guilt! My mom smoked like a chimney when I was a kid, and not a single thought was given to how it might affect me. Now, if I even think about having a smoke, I go through a whole ritual to detox before hugging my kids. It’s a far cry from those care-free days.
- Pregnancy Libations My mom casually enjoyed a whisky sour every night while pregnant with me. Can you imagine the uproar if someone tried that today? I can barely sip a glass of wine without feeling an avalanche of guilt from all the online research.
- Shrinky Dinks and Toxic Fun Our parents baked plastic in ovens, and we happily inhaled those fumes while eagerly watching the transformation. Now, I spend hours searching for non-toxic toys that are BPA-free and not made in China. It’s a whole new world of worry.
- Public Yelling? Go Right Ahead! Back in the day, if a kid was acting up, parents could raise their voices without fear of being reported. Now, if I so much as raise an eyebrow in public, I feel like I’m being judged by the entire crowd. It’s tough keeping that “calm and collected” facade!
- Dinner Choices? Not a Chance! I don’t ever remember being asked what I wanted for dinner growing up. Now, it seems like kids have a say in every meal, turning family dinners into negotiation sessions.
- Child-Proofing? What’s That? My childhood came with a few bumps and bruises, but I learned valuable lessons the hard way—like avoiding hot stoves! Today, we’re so focused on child-proofing that our kids don’t get to experience any of those life lessons.
- Unconditional Love Despite being thrown in the back of trucks or left to play with matches, we still love our parents fiercely. Now, it feels like if we let our kids cry for even a minute or don’t treat them like tiny adults, we’re setting them up for therapy sessions down the line.
For more insights into the parenting journey, check out our post on home insemination and learn about how to enhance your family planning with resources from Make A Mom. And if you’re interested in the science behind it all, Healthline offers excellent information on IVF and fertility.
Summary:
Parenting today comes with a myriad of challenges that our parents never faced. From car seats and child-proofing to the pressures of entertaining kids, the landscape of parenting has evolved significantly. Yet, despite the added stress, we still hold a deep love for our parents who raised us in a simpler time.