What difference do you find in the children of the olden days and those of today?

The difference lies in the upbringing between the children of today and the children  of the past

Children are often said to be the future of the world, but how much has their upbringing changed over time? How do the children of today differ from the children of the past in terms of their environment, their responsibilities, their opportunities, and their culture? In this article, we will explore some of the major ways that being a kid has changed in the past 20 years, and how these changes may affect their development and well-being.

Environment

One of the most obvious differences between the children of today and the children of the past is the environment they live in. Thanks to advancements in technology, kids today can stay in touch with parents and friends without having to place a call over the landline¹. They can also access a vast amount of information and entertainment on the internet, which can expose them to new ideas and perspectives, but also to some risks and challenges.

On the other hand, children of the past had less exposure to technology and media, and more time for creative outdoor play¹. They also had more opportunities to interact with nature and animals, especially if they lived on farms². They may have experienced more hardship and uncertainty due to wars, diseases, or natural disasters, but they also may have developed more resilience and adaptability.

Responsibilities

Another difference between the children of today and the children of the past is the level and type of responsibilities they have. Children of the past had to contribute to their family's survival at an early age, by helping with chores, farming, cooking, sewing, hunting, or caring for siblings. They also had less access to education and leisure activities, and often had to work long hours or drop out of school to support their families.

Children of today have more opportunities for education and personal development, but they also face more academic pressure and competition. They may have less personal responsibilities at home, such as cooking or laundry, which can make them more dependent on their parents or technology¹. They may also have more extracurricular activities or hobbies that can enrich their lives, but also add to their stress and expectations.

Opportunities

A third difference between the children of today and the children of the past is the range and quality of opportunities they have. Children of today have more access to education, health care, social services, and cultural diversity than ever before. They can learn new skills, explore new interests, travel to new places, and meet new people with ease. They can also pursue their dreams and aspirations with more support and resources.

Children of the past had fewer options and choices for their future. They often had to follow their parents' footsteps or settle for what was available. They may have faced more discrimination or oppression based on their gender, race, class, or religion. They may have also had less awareness or exposure to different cultures or lifestyles.

Culture

A fourth difference between the children of today and the children of the past is the culture they grow up in. Children of today are exposed to a more diverse and globalized world, where they can learn from different perspectives and values. They are also more aware of social issues and problems that affect them and others, such as climate change, human rights, or poverty. They may have more empathy and tolerance for others who are different from them.

Children of the past were more influenced by their local community and traditions. They may have had a stronger sense of identity and belonging to their family or group. They may have also had more respect for authority and elders. They may have been more obedient and conforming to social norms and expectations.

How to foster a positive upbringing for children in the modern world

As we have seen, the upbringing of children today is very different from the upbringing of children of the past. While there are many benefits to living in a more advanced and connected world, there are also some challenges and risks that parents and educators need to be aware of. How can we foster a positive upbringing for children in the modern world? Here are some tips and suggestions:

Balance technology and nature

Technology can be a great tool for learning, communication, and entertainment, but it can also have some negative effects on children's health, development, and well-being. Too much screen time can lead to obesity, sleep problems, attention issues, or social isolation. It can also expose children to inappropriate or harmful content, such as violence, pornography, or cyberbullying.

To balance technology and nature, parents and educators should limit the amount and type of screen time for children, and encourage them to engage in outdoor activities and physical exercise. They should also monitor and supervise their online activities, and teach them how to use technology safely and responsibly. They should also provide them with opportunities to interact with nature and animals, which can boost their mood, creativity, and curiosity.

Nurture independence and responsibility

Independence and responsibility are important skills for children to develop, as they prepare them for adulthood and life challenges. Children who are independent and responsible tend to have higher self-esteem, confidence, and motivation. They also tend to be more resilient and adaptable to change.

To nurture independence and responsibility, parents and educators should give children age-appropriate tasks and chores at home and at school. They should also allow them to make some choices and decisions for themselves, and learn from their mistakes. They should also praise their efforts and achievements, and help them set realistic goals and expectations. They should also teach them how to manage their time, money, and resources.

Promote education and personal development

Education and personal development are essential for children's growth and success. Children who are educated and developed tend to have more knowledge, skills, and opportunities. They also tend to be more creative, innovative, and productive. They also tend to be more aware of themselves and others, and more empathetic and tolerant.

To promote education and personal development, parents and educators should provide children with a stimulating and supportive learning environment that meets their needs and interests. They should also expose them to a variety of subjects, activities, cultures, and perspectives. They should also encourage them to pursue their passions and talents, and support their dreams and aspirations. They should also help them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Cultivate identity and belonging

Identity and belonging are important for children's mental and emotional health. Children who have a strong sense of identity and belonging tend to have higher self-worth, happiness, and security. They also tend to have more positive relationships with themselves and others. They also tend to be more respectful of diversity and difference.

To cultivate identity and belonging, parents and educators should help children discover their strengths, values, beliefs, preferences, goals etc. They should also help them appreciate their family background, culture heritage etc. They should also help them connect with their peers groups etc. They should also help them respect other people's identities beliefs etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion fostering a positive upbringing for children in the modern world is not an easy task but it is possible with some guidance support etc. By balancing technology nature etc nurturing independence responsibility etc promoting education personal development etc cultivating identity belonging etc parents educators can help children thrive in a changing world.

Source: 

(1) 10 ways being a kid has changed in the past 20 years - Insider. https://www.insider.com/how-being-kid-is-different-now-than-it-was-20-years-ago.

(2) Children's Lives: Comparing Long Ago to Today | IDCA. https://www.iowaculture.gov/history/education/educator-resources/primary-source-sets/childrens-lives-comparing-long-ago-to-today.

(3) How are children changed by the differences between today and the past .... https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/different-between-today-past-how-children-changed-599148.

FAQ's

How is childhood today different than in the past?

Children and adolescents have much less free, unstructured, unsupervised time than their predecessors did. Parents are putting their kids much more into adult-structured, adult-supervised activities than they did in the past. The geographical range of childhood and youth has contracted over time.

What is the difference between children and the children?

“"Children” is a general term that could and usually applies to the ALL the children versus… “the children” which is telling us that it's talking about a certain group or demographic of children. “Children's” is a possessive term in most cases, but in certain phrase can also be using the s as an abbreviation to 'is'.

How differently children spend time now when compared to your childhood?

Today's kids are busier than ever, their days packed with structured activities like school, sports, and tutoring. Kids a century ago had increased free time, spent more time outside, and slept longer than the kids of today's digital era.

What is the difference between parenting and raising children?

The main difference between these two parenting styles is focus. Both families love their children and only want the best for them. Those who choose child raising see success as strong interpersonal connections while parenting families believe personal development is the key to fulfillment.