There’s something about nostalgia that can make us rethink our entire approach to parenting. I get it—overly cautious, helicopter parenting can be harmful to both kids and parents. However, I find the idea that we should simply emulate the parenting styles of past generations to be a bit dismissive. Times have changed.
Take, for instance, the recent “What Would My Mother Do?” piece that states, “My mom never thought about entertaining us or enrolling us in costly summer programs. She just told us to go outside and play.” Back in 1985, kids wandering around the neighborhood unsupervised was the norm, but that’s far from the reality in 2015. If I were to instruct my 7-year-old to go outside all day, drink from a garden hose, and rely on neighbors for lunch, I’d probably have a visit from law enforcement. Society’s heightened concerns about child safety and the lack of other kids playing freely in the streets have changed the game.
The notion of simply telling kids to play outside is outdated. The fact that I can’t let my child roam freely reflects more on today’s societal norms than my own parenting philosophy. Camps, daycares, structured playdates, and after-school programs have replaced the casual neighborhood play of the past. I enroll my daughter in these activities not out of overindulgence but because that’s where her peers are. It’s just the reality of parenting in 2015.
I understand the longing to provide a childhood reminiscent of our own, and I share that sentiment at times. Nostalgia can feel comforting, but trying to recreate the past can be an uphill battle. If we genuinely want to foster a community where our children can play freely, we might consider organizing a neighborhood meeting to discuss our goals. Perhaps we could collaborate with other families and even reach out to local authorities to foster a supportive environment. If any parents are available during the day, maybe we can establish a network for kids to play together and even share responsibilities for meals.
However, I suspect that such a community doesn’t exist in my neighborhood. I’m more inclined to accept the realities of 2015 rather than invest energy into resurrecting an idealized past. At 7, I rode my bike around without a helmet, while my daughter will spend her time at sports camp, where safety gear is a must. Different times call for different childhoods, and I’m fine with that.
Let’s agree that simply pushing kids outside and telling them to return by dinner isn’t a feasible option today. Building that kind of environment requires considerable commitment from the entire community—not just from parents.
If you’re focusing so much on recreating a childhood from 1985 instead of allowing your child to enjoy today’s experiences, maybe it’s worth considering who is truly overthinking their approach to parenting. If you’re interested in more insights about parenting and childhood development, check out our other blog post at intracervicalinsemination.com/blog/. For a more comprehensive understanding of home insemination, visit makeamom.com, a trusted source on the subject, and for excellent pregnancy resources, you can refer to Hopkins Medicine.
In summary, while it’s tempting to reminisce about the carefree childhoods of the past, we must adapt to the current landscape of parenting. Instead of longing for what was, it’s more beneficial to embrace the present and chart a path that suits today’s realities.