If I didn’t have it back in 1977, you won’t be using it now…
My children firmly believe there’s no worse fate than being transported back to the 1970s. When their father and I share tales from our youth, the expressions on their faces range from disbelief to sympathy, but mostly, I see relief that they’ll never have to experience that world. When they query why we engaged in what now seem like mundane activities, the answer they echo is simple: “because there was nothing else to do.”
Despite their snarky commentary on my childhood, I can confidently say I have great kids. Yet, like all children, they sometimes need a reminder of the consequences of their actions. And the most effective way to do that? I send them back to the 1970s—a place they dread.
In our household, the ’70s are the ultimate punishment, reserved for serious offenses. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take long for them to grasp the severity of their misbehavior once they’re reminded of that era.
While some parents shy away from punishment, I’m a firm believer in its necessity. Sure, there are valid arguments for discussing misdeeds and reasoning with children, but sometimes kids simply don’t respond to reason. They need to learn that actions have repercussions, and I consider it my duty to instill that lesson at home.
If your kids are like mine, they’re fully aware of their rule-breaking tendencies and the reasoning behind them. Yet, in moments of impulse, they often choose to ignore those rules. I remember what it was like to be a kid, hoping I wouldn’t get caught, but discipline is crucial. I’ve tried talking it out, and I’ve tried punishment; unsurprisingly, consequences have proven to be the most effective.
My creative approach to punishment evolved when I realized that traditional methods were falling flat. Initially, I would send my young ones to the corner, a tactic I borrowed from my elementary school days when it was a common form of discipline. Unfortunately, my kids would often end up sprawled on the floor, lost in daydreams or absorbed in a book. Clearly, I needed a more impactful strategy.
As they grew, I tried “Go to your room!” But with cell phones, laptops, and a plethora of toys at their disposal, their rooms were more like playgrounds. When I would call them out, they’d often respond, “That’s alright, Mom, I think I’ll just stay here.”
Finally, I unleashed my final weapon: “You are grounded!” Yet, they seemed unfazed. Kids today appear to relish spending time with their parents and view confinement at home as more of a mild annoyance than a true punishment.
Then, while recounting our childhood stories yet again, my youngest son made a comment that changed everything: “I would hate to have been a kid then.” The light bulb went on!
I firmly believe in predictable discipline; kids should know what to expect. So, I laid it out for them clearly. If they broke any significant family rules—like lying, being disrespectful, or hopping into a car with a novice driver—they’d be sent back to the 1970s.
If I didn’t have it in 1977, they won’t have it now. Want to enjoy network television? Have at it! Landline phone? Go ahead and chat away on that relic. Sure, we had microwaves in 1977, but good luck finding Bagel Bites or Hot Pockets—maybe opt for an apple instead.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s off-limits: cell phones, computers, DVDs, GPS (time to dust off a map, kiddos), iPods, Xbox, iPads, Kindles, Netflix, HBO, cable TV, and the ultimate punishment in my household: ESPN. Yes, boys, back then, sports were limited to network channels and only aired on weekends!
I do allow for modern safety measures like airbags and anti-lock brakes—that’s a parental decision. My kids have swiftly learned that time travel to the ’70s is no walk in the park. While many kids fantasize about time travel, mine can’t stand it. Yet, in our family, it remains the most effective disciplinary method.
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In summary, when traditional punishments fail, a little creativity can go a long way. Sending kids back to the 1970s might just be the wake-up call they need!
Keyphrase: 1970s parenting strategies
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