Now or 40 years ago?
By coffeeshot
@coffeeshot (3783)
Australia
June 1, 2007 9:02pm CST
Lots of people (especially my dad) always go on about how life today is nothing like it was 40/50 years ago and how children these days have no idea about hows easy they have it. He always tells the story of how he and his brothers were made to chop the fire wood and milk the cows etc, where they grew up on a farm. He says that all kids do these days is watch tv, play computer games when they should be outside playing in the backyard, riding their bikes and generally just being adventurous. I thought about this and it does seem that because of rules and laws, kids can't really be the rough and tumbling kids of yesteryear. My uncle once said to me about the 'picking up after your dog' laws; "kids these days don't even know what dog poop is. When I was young we'd always be standing in it -that's just what kids do!"But on the other hand- kids can't go riding their bikes around the neighbourhood until dark anymore because of dodgy people hanging around and kidnappings etc. Parents just can't afford to let them roam the streets like they used to. Also, 30 years ago teachers and parents weren't as educated about certain learning disabilities. Children these days have much more opportunity to excel, despite any problems they may have.
What does everyone else think about this topic? Do you think children have it better now or was life better for kids 30/40 years ago?
4 people like this
6 responses
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
3 Jun 07
Ok I'll try to answer! I'm 73, so 40 yrs ago i was 33....I bought a new Ford Cougar in 1967 for $4300, and drove it to Expo 67 in Montreal. Got stopped on the 401 Hwy by a Cop who wanted to look at the car.
Yes Kids Have it Very easy today.
My Boys had chores to do in 1967. Help feed the cows, bring in the wood to keep the house warm at night. My boys went skating on the Pond, rode their bikes to school on a country road.We never dreamed of School shootings,robberies were few and far between. Kids never got abducted. Sure life was different then, but I wouldn't exchange it for the way we live today!
@coffeeshot (3783)
• Australia
3 Jun 07
That's a funny story about the policeman wanting to look at your car!
1 person likes this
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
2 Jun 07
On some level, he is right. In your father's generation, many children had responsibilities our children have never even heard of and as a result, that generation had no choice, but to grow up and take responsibilities not only for themselves, but sometimes for other family members. Today, children are much more coddled, but on the other hand technology has really opened up the world to our kids which puts them at a much better advantage to fend for themselves. By the way, there have always been kidnappings, but thankfully we have better technology today to catch predators.
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
2 Jun 07
my parents and grandparents compare their lives before to us, too. saying that there are lots of differences after some years. maybe people change through the years... not maybe... it's for sure.
i think living life years ago is better than what we have now. despite technology and all... people have started losing the best part of living... love... love for people, love for neighbors, love for kids, love for disables, love for nature... people turned to be greedy these days compared to yesteryears when people take care of everything.
2 people like this
@carmat (2849)
• Canada
6 Jun 07
I agree that there is alot more to offer children these days but I think life would be better for them 40/50 years ago. The world seems to be getting so messed up and scary now, there is to much tv, computer games, etc...I am only 30 years old and when I was younger we were outside all the time even in the winter now all kids do is site in the house watching tv and playing games. I know that has a lot to do with what parents allow. I try to get my children out whenever possible.
1 person likes this
@mugzy528 (800)
• United States
6 Jun 07
I Think Kids have it easier these Days with the Parents Both working and everything being handed to them. I have Noticed that alot of Kids have No manners anymore either but Most of them do. I have a 20 year old daugher that is very Polite and a lot of her friends are also but some of her Friends are Bad eggs...lol
Have a Great Day/Night.
@kennycaxton2006 (82)
• Nigeria
2 Jun 07
I agree with that children of now adays have more opportunity than those in the olden day due to the level of technology these days they are more expose to many things. just immagine in the olden days they do calculate with stones but now it is more easier now than before every thing is computarise. infact even human being are computerise i mean robbot they are like human being they help in industies but they reduce man power. for the introduction of interet infact the world now turn to some thing else. u can chat with people of the world send ur pic to them u know and so many things u can think of. so i think the children of now adays have better now than in the olden days because every thing now is made easy.
