The 1970s and ’80s represented a unique era. Men enjoyed their drinks, women indulged in smoking, and everyone seemed to appreciate the simplicity of Tang and SPAM. The stay-at-home moms of today were yesterday’s housewives, and they embraced their roles wholeheartedly. Children were free to be children, and parental authority was the norm.
As I reflect on those times, I can’t help but feel nostalgic. I grew up during that era and often find myself cringing at the parenting styles of today. As I witness modern parents asking their children—future leaders of the world—like little Alex and Mia to quiet down during early morning classes, I struggle to remain silent.
I often catch myself making passive-aggressive remarks like, “Wouldn’t it be nice if parents could manage their kids?” Perhaps it’s not my place, but I feel an honest duty to speak up. We must reconsider the sense of entitlement we are nurturing in our children. This isn’t intended as a rant but rather a yearning for the straightforward parenting style of the ’70s and ’80s. I often hear echoes of our parents and grandparents suggesting, “You’re not doing it right.” While they may not be entirely correct, their perspective is worth considering.
Playing Was Uncomplicated
Think back to those simple days. Little Johnny from down the street would knock on the door to see if Emma could come out to play. There was no need for elaborate scheduling or playdates. No frantic checking of iPhones or color-coded calendars. Instead, mom would simply call for Johnny, and off they would go to explore the outdoors with sticks and stones. Nature once ignited imagination, a quality I fear is diminishing in our children, who are often overwhelmed by the instant gratification of a digital world.
When lunchtime rolled around, mom would call them in with just a shout. They would come running for meals predetermined by their parents, with no choices or negotiations involved. Today, kids like my son often say, “I don’t know what to play.” It seems that parents have taken on the role of activity directors, leaving children devoid of the ability to entertain themselves.
Toys Were Genuine
The toys of yesteryear, like Slinkys and Shrinky Dinks, have largely been replaced by the digital allure of electronics. Our version of tech was simple board games like Battleship or Simon. Kids used to spin around until they felt dizzy, finding joy in the simplest of things. The Lite-Brite was a challenging but enjoyable pastime, and who could forget the classic Etch A Sketch, which provided hours of fun despite its difficulty?
Today, children are inundated with iPads, Kindles, and gaming consoles. With each birthday or holiday, they receive the latest tech gadgets, leading to fleeting happiness as parents strive to keep up with trends. I admit to succumbing to this pressure myself, so I don’t judge others.
Cartoons Were Exclusive to Saturdays
Saturday mornings were a cherished tradition. That was the day mom would buy sugary cereal, a treat we could indulge in. Unlike today, where cartoons are available 24/7, we eagerly awaited those few hours of animated fun on Saturdays. When my daughter fell ill, I had a plethora of shows to choose from at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday, a stark contrast to the limited options I had growing up.
We watched what our parents permitted, often influenced by their choices. My upbringing featured shows produced by Aaron Spelling and Norman Lear, which sparked my imagination and dreams. Nowadays, the narratives seem almost fantastical compared to the simpler stories of the past.
Children Followed Parental Lead
In those days, options were few. When parents decided on a beach trip, we simply loaded up the family car without question, ready for a day of sun and, sometimes, painful sunburn. Our parents told us we had fun, and we believed them. The phrases they used differed greatly from the ones we hear today. Instead of “no dessert tonight,” we were chastised with “I’ll give you something to cry about.”
Food Was Less Complicated
Food in that era was less scrutinized. We were less conscious of organic labels or ingredient lists. Meals consisted of items like SPAM and Fluffernutters, with drinks like Kool-Aid and Tang. Kids today face a myriad of allergies that were almost nonexistent back then. Dinner was a non-negotiable affair—everyone ate every bite, or they stayed at the table until they did.
The Family Pet
Dogs had names like Rex and Max and were simply dogs, not trendsetters or therapy companions. They were treated as pets, not family members in disguise. I often think about how dogs are pampered today, with elaborate playdates and social events, while I believe they should simply enjoy walks, chew on sticks, and be dogs.
I acknowledge that I sometimes fall into the same traps I criticize. Yes, I can be a hypocrite. However, I hope we can find a balance between the carefree parenting of the past and the overly involved style of today. Parenting is challenging, and we all strive to do our best, regardless of the decade.
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In summary, while parenting styles have evolved significantly since the ’80s, perhaps we can learn from the past and aim for a balanced approach that fosters independence and creativity in children while ensuring they feel secure and loved.
Keyphrase: Parenting in the ’80s
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