My childhood summers versus my DD’s

177 replies

Waitingforseptembernow · 10/08/2024 13:05

I was born late 70’s, young childhood in the 80’s, teenager in the 90’s
During summer, us kids were left to our own devices, I can’t remember my mum taking us to the park/playground much (very occasionally on a Sunday with my dad)
She never set up activities, did crafts, only baking at Christmas when I helped her make mince pies. Dinner was only made from scratch on a Sunday maybe-roast, lasagna…during the week it was Findus crispy pancakes, chips & beans, salads in summer. My mum didn’t work, I remember she cleaned more than I do (I have a cleaner as hate cleaning and want to spend my time with Dd)
This is not a slagging off my mum post as she is lovely, just a comparison in the effort maybe in parenting then versus now, does anyone feel the same?
I arrange play dates for Dd, we go to the playgrounds, beach, parks, picnics, I do crafts, baking, days out, I’m not complaining, it’s my choice and I enjoy it (I’m very tired though!) just wondering why it’s so different now to then? Did mum’s generally not think or want to do all these things?
I want to be an 80’s mum!

OP posts:

Octavia64 · 10/08/2024 13:10

I grew up in the 80s.

My mum had a mum who worked full time so she put a lot of effort into being there for us. She baked(badly, admittedly), we grew vegetables at the allotment, days out, holidays to north wales.

There's always been a group of mums who don't want to or can't spend much time with their kids, and mums who do.

I'm not convinced it's changed that much over the years.

If you want to put in less effort then do so,

garlictwist · 10/08/2024 13:07

I grew up in the 80s. My mum worked full time. We had a cleaner and our holidays were spent either at holiday clubs or with a childminder. We were allowed out on the street on our own but not much further. I don't really recognise my childhood in yours although it must have been a similar era.

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