Tuesday, November 24, 2009

growing up





i've been thinking about how different it is to raise a child these days compared to when i was a child or even when i raised my kids. my mom never worried that someone was going to abduct one of her kids. she was not concerned about hormones in meat, what we were being exposed to on the internet or the side effects from a flu vaccine. i never felt pressure to dress my kids in name brand clothing or to sign them up for 14 after school activities so they could "compete" with other children. we had it easier than today's parents, for sure.

if you've read this blog for any time at all, you'll know that i write often about wanting to return to a simpler way of life. when i see parents embracing a simpler way of life for their families, i'm touched. i so respect a return to good family values and keeping children as children as long as possible, giving them time to play and be innocent.

so here's to all the young parents doing their best to raise their families in tough times. this is one mom/grandma who is thinking of you and knowing it can't be easy!

((hugs))

11 comments:

Mary Jane said...

Julie,
I can't tell you how much I think of the exact same things you wrote about!

We need "simplicity" in our lives.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Isn't this the truth. All I had to worry about as a child was to get home for dinner. Things have sure changed. I like your photo too. It seems that young parents are always reaching for the top.

Bee said...

You've really hit on some of the really important differences -- one being the rampant materialism that seems part and parcel of childhood these days, and another being the sad loss of freedom. Without freedom, I think our kids have also lost their relationship with the outdoors and the random friendships of neighborhood kids.

steviewren said...

I started walking to the local library by myself when I was 9. I had to cross a major road to get there. I rode my bike to my friend's homes. We played outside all up and down the block. Things have changed.

Both of my DILs home-school their girls. I have had my reservations about homeschooling. I've known a lot of people who have done it...some well and some poorly. As more time goes by I think it gets to be a better and better choice. I think my grandkids act more their age than children that are introduced to too much modern culture too soon. The trick is to raise kids that are properly socialized...ie...they know how to act in situations outside the home. Both families have groups they interact with each week. The kids have friends. I think they are doing great.

lori vliegen said...

amen to that, julie!!! i don't envy young parents today.....and i don't envy the kids, either. i'm so thankful that i grew up in a world that was much simpler and seemingly more "innocent". happy thanksgiving to you and your family.....i'm very thankful for you, sweet friend!! hugs, :)))

RNSANE said...

As an RN, who spent the last 21 years of my life specializing in the fields of adult and child sexual abuse, I cannot even begin to say the horror I have dealt with, day and night. I have cared for all ages, from birth to death. The stories told to me by little ones who have been victims of the most unspeakable crimes brings home the reality of the craziness of today's world. Forget about giving children the most expensive toys - love them, listen to them, protect them...and that, at times, means saying no. Be aware of what they are doing and of the company they keep. Take the time to have fun with them and with their friends!

Dawn said...

Julie,
Thank you, I so agree. As a mom who is raising grand kids too it's a tough tough world.

Happy Thanksgiving !!

Kim Hambric said...

I'm trying so hard to make my daughter's childhood reflect the best parts of my childhood -- family, playing imagination games with neighborhood children in the yard, reading. As an "older" mom (46 years to my daughter's 7), I feel I'm more in touch with the "good old times".

I let my daughter choose her leisure activities. Television time is very limited. She knows the power and fun of reading. Her request for a computer game system from Santa was vetoed. She was alright with that. I suppose the sex education conversation is going to present itself very soon. As a mother, I feel that one of my obligations is to let my child be a child as long as possible.

Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

ArtPropelled said...

Exactly! I long for a simpler life and one day when I have grandchildren I hope I am able to teach them to love the simpler things in life (like spending the afternoon catching tadpoles rather than playing video games).

Kerri Jean said...

I could not have said it better. I watch all of my frantic friends dashing from one activity to another with their kids and I wonder if any of them - including the kids - are enjoying any of it.

Shannon said...

Thanks for this! You are so wise and observant. Times are different. I, too, wish life was more simple.