Tag: parents

Parenting in the 1970s

Lydia | January 17, 2013

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

Meeting Baby Amber

Lydia | January 12, 2013

To ensure the household was no longer contagious we had to wait an excruciating eight days before we could safely see my sister Alicia and meet her beautiful baby Amber.

It’s been five years since Alicia and I were last together and in that time we’ve both been pregnant and had our beautiful daughters. There’s eight months between Imogen and Amber and it’s great having them so close in age. Plus we get to share parenting dilemmas and tips!

We couldn’t believe how well Imogen and Amber got on. From the very beginning they took a shine to one another and it wasn’t long before they were giggling and sharing toys.

Imogen and Amber meet for the first time

Imogen had been talking about ‘Baby Amber’ for a long time before our journey to New Zealand and she was so excited about meeting her cousin.

Imogen and Amber 'walking' on their knees!

Imogen imitates Amber ‘walking’ on her knees

One of the most amazing thing to observe between them was how they imitated one another. Amber wanted to wear shoes because Imogen was, this had proved a struggle prior to this day with her little toes curling each time my sister tried to gently slip on some shoes. And Imogen decided she’d drink a bottle of milk, something she’s never done before as she went from being breastfed to sippy cup, but seeing Amber being given a bottle by Alicia looked new and very exciting!