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
We used the appropriate titles and always treated them with respect.
Talking to Adults Now
Kids aren't afraid to give a little attitude (and even a few four-letter words).
Playtime Then
Toys and creativity were our go-to method.
Playtime Now
Technology is essential for a good time.
Riding in Cars Then
We rode in the beds of pickup trucks.
Riding in Cars Now
Kids can't ride without a car seat.
Talking to Friends Then
We communicated in person or over the phone.
Talking to Friends Now
Kids communicate through texts and the occasional Snapchat.
Reading Books Then
A page-turning pastime.
Reading Books Now
A "swipe left" pastime.
Playgrounds Then
Wooden attractions were all the rage.
Playgrounds Now
Splinter-free structures are the way to go.
Punishment Then
We received our fair share of spankings.
Punishment Now
Parents talk to their kids or put them in time-out.
Saturday Mornings Then
We were out of the house as soon as breakfast was done — whether we liked it or not.
Saturday Morning Now
Kids sit in front of the TV, even during breakfast.
Being Left Alone Then
Being left home while your parents went to the store was no big deal.
Being Left Alone Now
Being left home while your parents go to the store is considered neglect.
Free Time Then
We let our imaginations run wild.
Free Time Now
Kids let the iPod take control.
Computer Games Then
Simplicity at its finest.
Computer Games Now
Complexity reigns supreme.
Toy Guns Then
They weren't terribly realistic, but we could play with them.
Toy Guns Now
They are too realistic and banned by many parents (finger guns included).
Halloween Then
We were happy with our simple homemade costumes.
Halloween Now
Kids (or, more accurately, parents) prefer an Etsy-worthy creation.
Birthday Parties Then
All you needed for a successful bash were pizzas, paper plates, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
Birthday Parties Now
If it doesn't look like it came from Pinterest, then it's a flop.
Math Homework Then
Word problems were (somewhat) simple to solve.
Math Homework Now
Common Core. Need I say more? Photo: Rebecca Gruber
Dressing Up Then
We covered ourselves quite nicely.
Dressing Up Now
The skirts are too short, the jeans are too tight, and there is way too much skin.
After School Then
We rushed home from school so we could run around the yard.
After School Now
Kids rush home from their extracurricular activities to finish all their homework.
Tracking Kids Then
Our parents yelled our name from the doorway or called our friends' parents.
Tracking Kids Now
Parents have an app for that.
Playing Outside Then
We ran around till sunset without adult supervision.
Playing Outside Now
Kids are constantly chaperoned, even if they are across the street.
Takeout Dinners Then
A special treat on Friday nights.
Takeout Dinners Now
The only way kids eat during the week.
Bath-Time Photos Then
A sweet moment captured on film.
Bath-Time Photos Now
A surefire way to be called a pedophile on the Internet.
Growing Up Then
We were in no hurry to grow up.
Growing Up Now
Kids can't wait to be adults.