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Friday 18 September 2015

Did We Have More Fun?

I seem to be feeling a little nostalgic recently. I'm sure it has something to do with Autumn approaching. I was wondering, did children of my generation (born in 1947) have more fun as children than the children of today. These days, they all seem to be on their smart phones, tablets, or X boxes etc., and sometimes they seem to be in a virtual world of their own.

When I was a little girl, I can remember that I used to love being out in the open air!  I used to spend hours playing with my friends. Who else remembers the following activities?!  








We seemed to use our imagination so much more when I was a child as well.  Do you agree, or am I just getting old?!  Don't get me wrong, I love keeping up with all the new Technology - having three grandchildren, I think it is very important for me to do that, and I love it when they show me how to play certain games on their Tabkets, although, for some reason, I just can't seem to get the hang of Minecraft! 

Another activity I used to love during the Summer months, was making dens!  I'm delighted to say that, when we were over in France a while ago, the whole family helped to make a den in the forest for Eli and Ruby, and they absolutely loved it. Proving, once again, that the simplest things often bring the greatest pleasure. 






10 comments:

BB said...

I couldn't agree with you more Thisisme!! I've always said I was so lucky to grow up in the 60s even. We rode bikes, rode skateboards that were either homemade or very plain storebought ones, played with the neighborhood kids, made forts or dens as you call them. My mother would send us outdoors for the day. I can remember her locking the door so she could clean without us running in and out. If there was no one around to play with, I would read outside or go in the toolshed to see what I could get into. Those were good times. Is it any wonder why our society has gotten so lazy and overweight? Everyone wants it NOW and without out effort!! Great post.

Southhamsdarling said...

Wise words indeed , BB! I'd forgotten the roller skates, and even go-carts, which, as you say, would be home made. Great fun. I do think the children these days miss out on things like that, although, of course, I suppose it was a safer time back then. Thanks for popping over my awesome friend.

Glenda said...

I have such wonderful memories of my childhood days and all the creative ways we used our minds. My grandchildren love nothing more than being out in nature and still play fabulously using their imaginations. I see that yours do too! I think they'll have the same kind of memories that we do, even with the added bonus of technology. My grandson would always cut down small saplings to make walking sticks and he used technology to see what types of wood work best and how to cure the wood and what finishes to use. He was a little entrepreneur and sold the sticks for quite a nice sum! Diane, I think we are blessed that our children have encouraged our grandchildren to play outdoors and use technology to broaden their scope! You brought back lots of memories with your post today, my friend!

Southhamsdarling said...

Thank you for your lovely response, Glenda, and I'm glad it brought back memories for you. I liked the story about your grandson and the walking sticks. I certainly wouldn't be without modern technology, but I agree with you that our children have done a fantastic job with our grandchildren.

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Hi Diane. I remember Jacks, pick up sticks, hopscotch too. I agree with you about technology, and how children now seem too consumed with it . But sometimes children cannot go out to play as we used too. Depending on where you live. My grandchildren love all the technology even the two year.old ..BUT and it is a BIG but ..They do so much more too. Dens outside ..walking, love wildlife .. so best of both worlds.


Jenny Hoppins said...

We did have more fun, and every time I take Elliot out in nature for play, the experience leaves him more expressive and energetic than if he were sitting in front of the screen with Minecraft (which, by the way, makes me dizzy to observe, so playing is out of the question.)
Recently two neighbor girls came to play, and before long there were three camps set up in the back yard, and an imaginary drama took place. It lasted the entire afternoon, and ended up with an invitation for pizza at their house. So I'm very thankful to know that imagination still thrives under the surface of our over-stimulated kids given the simple exposure to the outdoors and someone to share it with. I loved seeing the pictures of Ruby and Eli's adventure on the beach.

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Anne. Yes, I totally agree with you about the safety aspect these days. Children just can't have the freedom that I had, in many cases. Like your grandchildren, mine also have great parents, and give them as much outside activity as they can.

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi there Jenny. Thank you for popping across the pond ! I know only too well the wonderful childhood that Elliot enjoys and much of that is down to you and Richard. I know that he is going to grow up to be such a well-rounded young man. The imaginary games with the two girls sounded like such fun. I love to see them using their imagination like that.

Sush said...

I'm thinking those of us that spent time with our children in the outdoors or indoors playing with them rather than having them sit in front of a television or computer will raise their children to appreciate the same delights. I really believe we do what we know. My Mom use to use that expression and the older I am the more it rings true! I love seeing photos of my grandchildren playing outside and sitting inside curled up with a book or playing dress up. All the things we did as kids. Costumes have gotten so very pretty. I remember we did improvise more with petticoats as princess and bride costumes. But then, not a lot of petticoat wearing these days, is there?

Hope you are enjoying your holiday...see you on FB xoxox

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi my friend Sush. Your mum was so wise with that saying, we do what we know, and it's so true! Mope, not many petticoats around these days. I'm smiling! Like you, I love to see my grandchildren using their imagination when playing, and they all love their books!