OT- But it is so true

[CKD]

TO THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 30's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, bread and butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, video games, no 99+ channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no internet or internet chat rooms. WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live in us forever. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little league had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS!

[Graehstone]

Isn't it amazing how we even survived those "Barbaric" times?
NO INTERNET!?!?!
Cavemen I tell you, Cavemen!! tsk tsk tsk :eusa_naug

[CKD]

I should of added that I DID NOT write that. LOL

[VRSparks]

I was born in 80, but was raised by my grandparents, so my life was very much like that. I went to church every Sunday like it or not (in dresses Gramma made for me on her old sewing machine), I was expected to keep my room clean and help out around the house. I never *ever* talked back to my Gramma and Grampa. Ever. It amazes me the $h!t kids get away with these days. But...I can also see that these are different times. How they got that way is irrelevant, because they are that way now. Kids now have many weaknesses, but also many strengths. I wouldn't say more or less of either than previous generations. The kids that are teenagers now are moving up and will soon be in charge. Give them a chance - I think they'll be better at it than you expect.

- Victoria

[aussieparrotchic]

That is a great peice of writing and I agree with alot of what is written especially the outdors playing . But I think that you would have to agree alot was so simple back then because everything was so hush hush and nothing was spoken of. When kids were out playing all day with no one knowing their whereabouts and were abused by Mr Clements the friendly old man who liked to help build billy carts it was swept under the carpet and ignored. When your best mate down the road couldnt stop thinking about being involved with other boys instead of girls he was givin a good old fashioned belting and told not to be sick. When your cousin is killed playing on his scooter in the driveway but could of been alive today if we had crash helmets . When people actually died from sticking knives in toasters due to no safety switches. When babies were born with birth defects because society didnt beleive woman had the right to question doctors. I think maybe life seemed a lot simpler back then because nothing was out in the public like it is today. Nothing was spoken of so no one new what was going on. I think weve come along way in alot of ways and should be grateful for all the modern advances. Although sometimes it would be nice to live unaware of the tragedies that surround us thankfully its just not possible

[Lindy1724]

Aussie...I agree with your points. Nothing was spoke of back then and while brutal honesty can have its downfalls, it also has its benefits!
Christy...I do also agree with some of the points made in the writing you posted. The part about how kids back then did not have video games and all the electronic gadgets to keep them occupied. They simply had friends and their imaginations and that is what I think is missed right now in the youth of our society!

[Skyebirdsmom]

I grew up in the 50's and 60's and am SO happy I did!!! Wouldn't have traded it for anything. I learned SO much about nature from playing outside by the creeks and lake instead of being a couch potato. Nope, wouldn't have traded catching lightning bugs for nuthin'!
Linda & HRC~

[aussieparrotchic]

I dont think that just because we didnt grow up in the 50s or 60s that we are missing out on anything I grew up in the 70s and 80s and I spent my days at the local damn catching yabbies and fishing my children who are growing up in the new milenium also have plenty of outdoors time . My six year old breeds budgies and plays footy and basketball he also does professional trampolineing and my three year old is always outside in her cubby and playing in the yard except that she is always supervised as is my 6 year old and as was I . I do completely understand what you mena by too much TV time some kids spend 90% of their time glued to the box which is sad. Surely there must be a happy medium its just up to the parents to find it.