My, How Things Have Changed! A Look at Childhood Then and Now

One of the perks of working for a parenting site is being able to pull from your own experiences, both as a mother and as a former kid. Of course, this forces you to realize just how much has changed since your childhood. As a latchkey kid who thrived on fresh air and family dinners, I look at today's generation of tech-savvy tots and wonder when — and, more importantly, how — this transformation occurred. From the attitude to the attire, take a look at some of the main differences between today's children and those of decades past. Source: Flickr user The Lotus Carroll

Talking to Adults Then
Flickr user Simon Blackley

Talking to Adults Then

We used the appropriate titles and always treated them with respect.

Talking to Adults Now
Flickr user Mindaugas Danys

Talking to Adults Now

Kids aren't afraid to give a little attitude (and even a few four-letter words).

Playtime Then
Flickr user I Rocksteady

Playtime Then

Toys and creativity were our go-to method.

Playtime Now
Flickr user pollas

Playtime Now

Technology is essential for a good time.

Riding in Cars Then
Flickr user Amor Ministries

Riding in Cars Then

We rode in the beds of pickup trucks.

Riding in Cars Now
Flickr user andrec

Riding in Cars Now

Kids can't ride without a car seat.

Talking to Friends Now
Flickr user jrparis

Talking to Friends Now

Kids communicate through texts and the occasional Snapchat.

Reading Books Then
Flickr user Twid

Reading Books Then

A page-turning pastime.

Reading Books Now
Flickr user Travis Warren

Reading Books Now

A "swipe left" pastime.

Playgrounds Then
Flickr user castorgirl

Playgrounds Then

Wooden attractions were all the rage.

Playgrounds Now
Flickr user niall kennedy

Playgrounds Now

Splinter-free structures are the way to go.

Punishment Then
Flickr user glmsims99

Punishment Then

We received our fair share of spankings.

Saturday Mornings Then
Flickr user swambo

Saturday Mornings Then

We were out of the house as soon as breakfast was done — whether we liked it or not.

Saturday Morning Now
Flickr user The Lou She

Saturday Morning Now

Kids sit in front of the TV, even during breakfast.

Being Left Alone Then
Flickr user Personal Creations

Being Left Alone Then

Being left home while your parents went to the store was no big deal.

Being Left Alone Now
Flickr user jblndl

Being Left Alone Now

Being left home while your parents go to the store is considered neglect.

Free Time Then
Flickr user The Lotus Carrol

Free Time Then

We let our imaginations run wild.

Free Time Now
Flickr user davo39

Free Time Now

Kids let the iPod take control.

Computer Games Now
Flickr user carbonnyc

Computer Games Now

Complexity reigns supreme.

Toy Guns Then
Flickr user a_mason

Toy Guns Then

They weren't terribly realistic, but we could play with them.

Toy Guns Now
Flickr user TheChanel

Toy Guns Now

They are too realistic and banned by many parents (finger guns included).

Halloween Then
Flickr user Kelly Hogaboom

Halloween Then

We were happy with our simple homemade costumes.

Halloween Now
Instagram | ginalee

Halloween Now

Kids (or, more accurately, parents) prefer an Etsy-worthy creation.

Birthday Parties Then
Flickr user woodleywonderworks

Birthday Parties Then

All you needed for a successful bash were pizzas, paper plates, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

Math Homework Then
Flickr user lizzardo

Math Homework Then

Word problems were (somewhat) simple to solve.

Math Homework Now

Math Homework Now

Common Core. Need I say more? Photo: Rebecca Gruber

Dressing Up Then
Flickr user Katie Burry

Dressing Up Then

We covered ourselves quite nicely.

Dressing Up Now
Flickr user Binaph

Dressing Up Now

The skirts are too short, the jeans are too tight, and there is way too much skin.

After School Then
Flickr user ter-berg

After School Then

We rushed home from school so we could run around the yard.

After School Now
Flickr user ChrisYarzab

After School Now

Kids rush home from their extracurricular activities to finish all their homework.

Tracking Kids Now
Flickr user Jhaymesisviphotography

Tracking Kids Now

Parents have an app for that.

Playing Outside Then
Flickr user didi8

Playing Outside Then

We ran around till sunset without adult supervision.

Playing Outside Now
Flickr user rowdyharv

Playing Outside Now

Kids are constantly chaperoned, even if they are across the street.

Takeout Dinners Then
Flickr user Kris Krug

Takeout Dinners Then

A special treat on Friday nights.

Takeout Dinners Now
Flickr user piratejohnny

Takeout Dinners Now

The only way kids eat during the week.

Bath-Time Photos Then
Flickr user Ben McLeod

Bath-Time Photos Then

A sweet moment captured on film.

Growing Up Then
Flickr user Rawhead Rex

Growing Up Then

We were in no hurry to grow up.

Growing Up Now
Flickr user cheriejoyful

Growing Up Now

Kids can't wait to be adults.