Grandma Encourages Play and Free Time

Just a word from a 70 year old grandmother who wishes to make an observation about the differences in raising children today--my grandchildren--from  childraising in the 60's and 70's.  There is no judgement here--I just think I'm glad I could do it then instead of now.  The big issue is constraint, or lack of.  It sort of fits in with my personal philosophy.  During pregnancy, we had no guidlines to follow--eating, drinking, smoking anything was OK.  Could have used more restrictions in that area, I do admit.  Dr. Spock was our only source of guidance--but he mainly stressed using common sense.  Yes,  I am impressed with the help given today to young parents and admit we could have made use of a book or two more.   We used the word "No" way too much!

The part I did love was the following: We had a TV and a phone--so 1 hr. of TV/day, and 10 min phone call limit. That was the extent of our electronic stimulation guidelines.  Kids played outside on their own, and we called home, as were the other neighborhood children, by a gong or a bell.  This was usually only at mealtimes, which were a regular daily event attended by all members of the family.  Hauling kids around to practices and classes was kept to a minimum--mostly because I hated driving, but also because free time was deemed an important component of growing up.  I was lucky to be able to be a stay at home mom and fully share those growing years.

I realize that most of these freedoms are impossible today with both parents working and with the complexities of life on the street and in the schools.  Either way--raising kids is a treat!

Author: Janet Armstrong, Mother of Three, Grandmother of Three