Author Archive: Lydia
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Parenting in the 1970s
I’ve been catching up with old friends lately. We’ve reminisced about our own childhoods and growing up as babies and toddlers in the late 1970s.
It seems we’re from an entirely different age when compared to families of today. And it’s not just the fashion of the 1970s that stands us apart.
Parenting styles have changed dramatically over the last few decades.
Back in the day we were allowed to play in the garden and run freely around the streets.
My friends and I would go down the lane to a nearby river for a dip on hot summer days. When swimming wasn’t an option we’d run amok across farmer’s fields where grazing bulls would stir at our laughter and foolishness.
Children today are brought up with their parent’s keeping a much closer eye on their whereabouts. This is aided by technology keeping communication between parents and children more accessible.
But by limiting the amount of freedom our children have are we detrimentally stunting their ability to grow and learn for themselves?
As for all of the baby paraphernalia we can’t live without, there’s a distinct gap between then and now.
Who’d ever heard of a car seat for a baby or child, let alone a seatbelt? These days you’ll be arrested if your baby or child isn’t strapped safely in a car.
Baby monitors? If baby cried the parents would hear and could go and check on them.
Did anyone use sun cream to protect baby’s delicate skin? Today we’re advised by leading health bodies to not expose babies under the age of 6 months to the sun.
Stair gates? Baby learnt how to climb up and down stairs.
Had parents in the 1970s even heard of the things today’s parents simply take for granted?
- BPA free plastic bottles and cups
- Non-toxic paints used on children’s toys
- Safety standards in playgrounds
- Baby and toddler products conforming to stringent regulations
- Organic formula milk and baby food
What are your views on the style of parenting in the 1970s compared with today?
photo credit: H is for Home via photopin cc
Kaitoke Regional Park
We’ve visited Kaitoke Regional Park a couple of times since being in New Zealand. It’s a 15 minute drive from my parents house and is located in a stunning valley with the Hutt and Pakuratahi Rivers running through the meandering hills.
The park contains nearly 2500 hectares of mature native forest. Imogen loves exploring the New Zealand bush and dipping her toes in the cool river where we saw several eels bathing. We have picnic lunches in the clearings surrounded by native bush and hills.
I’ve really enjoyed hearing the New Zealand native birds again. One of my favourites is the Tui who has a beautiful melody and feeds mainly on nectar from flowers of native plants. Here you can listen to the incredible song of the Tui.
Due to it’s picturesque beauty this was one of the locations for the filming of the Lords of The Rings Trilogy. The Kaitoke Regional Park was home to Rivendell and the Fords of Isen.
If you’re in New Zealand the Kaitoke Regional Park is somewhere that’s really worth exploring.
New Zealand Summer Garden
We have a small balcony in London and it’s always crammed full with plants and flowers. Here in New Zealand we’re incredibly lucky to have a large garden to spend time in and eat alfresco.
Imogen has been playing for hours in the garden and enjoys collecting rose petals, filling buckets with soil, splashing in the paddling pool, watering the plants, jumping in puddles and digging with spades.
I adore nature, it revives my soul. Come rain or shine, wind or calm, I always feel so connected to Mother Earth when I’m surrounded by her beauty and grace.
My parent’s garden is a sanctuary of peace, vibrant colour and rustic charm. They love attracting wildlife and it abounds here. Fruit trees and vegetables grow together with a garden full of flowers, trees and New Zealand natives like the Pohutukawa.
A New Zealand summer garden is somewhere I could easily spend all day with my friends and family, catching up on life and admiring nature at it’s very best.
What do you enjoy most about a summer garden?
