twiley Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 (edited) Two words: organized sports Get them outside. Get them motivated. ETA: If your child isn't into sports then get them involved with something outdoors or some other kind of youth group. My wife's sister has two kids that do absolutely NOTHING but sit around and watch TV and play video games. They're getting to the point where they are socially challenged and severely overweight. IMO, this all lays on the parents shoulders. Edited February 1, 2008 by twiley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
untateve Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 There's more to parenting than turning off the tv and shoving them out the door. It's not that simple. If you share in the interests of your children, you can forge a great relationship. Egret is under the impression I want a relationship with my children. I just want them outside because it's hard to surf porn and drink when your kids are watching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egret Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Egret is under the impression I want a relationship with my children. I just want them outside because it's hard to surf porn and drink when your kids are watching. Their eyes judge you and pierce into your heartless black soul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Egret is under the impression I want a relationship with my children. I just want them outside because it's hard to surf porn and drink when your kids are watching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caveman_Nick Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 To answer the original question, no it's not necessarily harder for kids to grow up now. It is harder for parents to understand their children now. Children's lives are not as similar as their parents' childhoods. That makes it harder for their parents to understand and stay involved. This is a great point. Children adapt and learn much faster than adults, and the older the adult the slower they learn and deal with change. People are having their children later in life now, so there is already a challenge in keeping up with the kids comparative to when I grew up. Women work now instead of being stay at home moms. This creates enormous separation that was not there when I grew up. And the world is changing at an accelerating rate compared to how it was changing when I was a kid. Technology has allowed for change to be so fast that by the time people in their 40's even get used to the idea of something new it is old hat. People that want to be more in control of how their kids are growing up need to simplify their lives and make the kids a priority. And that's difficult for many to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMD Posted February 1, 2008 Author Share Posted February 1, 2008 Organized sports are another interesting aspect. They are WAY better than vegging out while playing a video game but when I grew up, the only organized sport prior to middle school was flag football in 4th to 6th grade. That was all. When I was not at flag football practice, my neighborhood spend most days having kids trying to round up enough people to play sandlot baseball or football or basketball. You had to pick new teams each time and agree on rules (like what was out of bounds and if a pass was considered a complete if it first bounced off a tree). It is all so controlled and contrived now and kids do no have to make any decisions among themselves about organization, rules, what plays to call and when the game is over. Now they just get a trophy for showing up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Now they just get a trophy for showing up. The wussification of America right there. I think losing is integral for development. Once you lose, winning is that much sweeter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Real, lasting friendships are forged through shared challenges and experiences. I just don't see how spending hours playing World of Warcraft can generate the same bonds as hitting a hornet's nest with a rock and having to dive into the pond to escape those little bastards then having to explain to your parents why your clothes are all wet can. wurd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coffeeman Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 (edited) short answer - 'yes'. I agree its mostly due to 4 things you mentioned: 1) the pc/web, 2) cell phones, 3) video games and 4) cable/dish tv. More info, images, instant contact - anytime and anywhere - than we had access to back then HAS to lead to laziness and shrinking attention spans and creativity. No more trips to the library or outdoors to birdwatch - you can watch it all on video on the pc, and get all the research done in a few minutes instead of hours/days. All the things we have that (we think) make our lives better are hurting us in ways we don't yet fully understand. Hell, the 'big 3' of Sex, Drugs and Rock and roll are almost passe now - 24/7 access to these things, or at least info about them - is incredibly easy to get, even if the parents are extremely diligent. I never had a phone or tv in my room - I was lucky to have a radio - much less a pc with a constant parade of porn, drug dealers and bootleg rock and roll videos/audio everywhere. Crazy. And I know we can try to push back as parents, but the pressure is relentless, and our efforts (time/energy) have to be as 24/7 as the oppostion is. And man, its tough to keep up all the time. And organized sports - what a joke. It starts at age 4 or 5 at the latest now, with uniform fittings, 2-3 practices/week, snack schedules and other things besides just the kids playing like we did. Overscheduling is the issue there: between school, homework and organized sports (and/or music or scouting,) kids don't have free time to be creative anymore. My 5 y.o. son loves to draw and create, but we're constantly telling him to clean up, as its time to run off to school, sports, or his brother's sports, etc. Poor kid. Meanwhile, the 8 y.o. can't sit still for 5 minutes to save his life - the wife and I have to ride herd on him constantly, or homework would never get done. Forget about drawing or buidling K'nex, or anything else that's quiet or creative. And our 2 y.o. daughter, its too early to tell - she enjoys playing with dolls and hosting tea parties, but I'm sure those will be pushed aside soon with other 'more important' activities that her friends will encourage her to try. Oh well - good luck to all the parents out there. We need it..... Edited February 1, 2008 by Coffeeman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Holy Roller Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 PS don't forget how seemingly all sports have to be "organized" now. Do kids ever just go out in the backyard and play a pickup game of football (etc) anymore? We used to do that just about every day after school in the fall. And talk about creativity ("OK when you get near the bushes push Joe into em so he can't stay with you and then I'll do a holy roller fumble to you right down the middle and.....") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T_bone65 Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 We used to take a couple hits of Acid and play war games in the woods at night, talk about good times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Every generation has its challenges. They just change. Life in Illinois was pretty simple when I was growing up - no computers to use so I spent alot of time playing backlot football and driveway basketball with my buddies. High school temptations were smoking cigarettes and worrying about getting laid. College was more interesting with all the alcohol and drugs available on campus. That was about the time I was sweating the draft lottery and the possibility of going to Vietnam. Now the kids have computers in their lives and the threat of global terrorism. Times change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildcat2334 Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 When I was 12, I would ride my bicycle 4-5 miles to play 2-on-2 basketball. The backboard was plywood nailed to a tree. Now, my 12 year old, texts his friend and they go online together to play a game (or surf pron). I offer to take the three of us to the courts but get a "No thanks." When its real nice out, I just say get in the f'n car. I love it. No kids myself but that is exactly what I would do. No substitute for being out all day playin sports, activities with yer buddies. Chit we would mix it up and play hoops, football and baseball all day long................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefjay Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Two words: organized sports Get them outside. Get them motivated. ETA: If your child isn't into sports then get them involved with something outdoors or some other kind of youth group. My wife's sister has two kids that do absolutely NOTHING but sit around and watch TV and play video games. They're getting to the point where they are socially challenged and severely overweight. IMO, this all lays on the parents shoulders. Exactly, true it costs more but it's needed. We do hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, gymnastics (daughter), and eventually football when my 7 year old is old enough. Keep them busy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
driveby Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 +1 to everyone. I think life pretty much sucks for most kids now. When I was growing up we had three basic rules. Especially in the summer, didn't matter where we went, or what we did as long as: 1. We didn't get hurt 2. We didn't get into trouble and 3. We were home before the street lights came on. Man, we broke all three of those rules a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 We used to take a couple hits of Acid and play war games in the woods at night, talk about good times wurd good times good times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 +1 to everyone. I think life pretty much sucks for most kids now. When I was growing up we had three basic rules. Especially in the summer, didn't matter where we went, or what we did as long as: 1. We didn't get hurt 2. We didn't get into trouble and 3. We were home before the street lights came on. Man, we broke all three of those rules a lot. yup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil_gop_liars Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Kids have it easy, it's harder being a parent now a days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowboutthemCowboys Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Organized sports are another interesting aspect. They are WAY better than vegging out while playing a video game but when I grew up, the only organized sport prior to middle school was flag football in 4th to 6th grade. That was all. You grew up before Little League was invented? No wonder you can't make a video...did'nt know you were that old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 When I was a kid I cam home from school and went right out. Hoops, Football, Stickball, whatever we were doing it was outside and it was fun. Our mothers would yell out the window when it was time to come home. Whomper home movies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clubfoothead Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 We used to take a couple hits of Acid and play war games in the woods at night, talk about good times +1 to everyone. I think life pretty much sucks for most kids now. When I was growing up we had three basic rules. Especially in the summer, didn't matter where we went, or what we did as long as: 1. We didn't get hurt 2. We didn't get into trouble and 3. We were home before the street lights came on. Man, we broke all three of those rules a lot. These two pretty much sum up 1978-1989 for me. I recall my parents forcing me to come in to watch Mutual of Omaha Wil Kingdom; otherwise I hadno use for indoors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H8tank Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 My grandfather taught me how to slaughter chickens and pigs by hand. Everything we ate came from the animals we raised and the fields we sowed. My Father made $70 a week. My 4 year old and 6 year old build barns with their Legos and their food come from Whole Foods Market. I'm closer to $70 an hour. How does a 65 year old man have kids? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperCharger Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 (edited) How does a 65 year old man have kids? I'm only 30, but my childhood did seem like a time lost in this country even though this was through the 80's. From my POV, my children's lots in life will come with much less toil and pain. To which I smile causes that's my lot in life. Edited February 2, 2008 by SuperCharger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushwacked Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 I get incredibly uneasy sitting around with my son on Saturday and Sunday mornings not doing crap. I make an absolute point of doing stuff with him outside, or at least away from the house, for a chunk of the day each weekend. Now that he is getting older, he doesn't go quite as stir crazy when I bring him up to the mountains. Pretty soon we will be slaying salmon and shooting the heads off birds....can't wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H8tank Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 I'm only 30, but my childhood did seem like a time lost in this country even though this was through the 80's. I bet it did hans solo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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