Raising children has always been a challenging task, both in the past and present. However, our approach to childrearing has evolved over time, though it hasn’t necessarily become easier. Our interactions with children have changed across various contexts, such as surprising them, disciplining them, and celebrating with them. These changes have occurred gradually, in response to the transformations in our lives. Technological advancements, in particular, have had a significant impact on how children play, how we engage with them, and even how we discipline them.
Over the past century, social norms have undergone substantial changes, influencing our perceptions of acceptable behavior. In the past, it was commonplace to physically discipline children as a means of correction. There was a belief that corporal punishment could yield positive effects (Mansfield, 2018). However, contemporary society views such practices as unlawful and socially unacceptable. For example, the short story ”Sixpence” by Katherine Mansfield reflects the prevailing attitudes towards childrearing at that time: ”I’m sure you make a great mistake in trying to bring up children without whipping them” (Mansfield, 2018). This demonstrates the societal viewpoint on child discipline during that era. Nowadays, extensive research has proven the detrimental effects of physical punishment on children, leading to regulatory measures. Furthermore, the way we interact with our children has undergone significant transformations in the past century. Today, parents can gain insights into their children’s lives through social media, whereas in the past, direct communication was necessary to understand their issues.
From the perspective of children, their lives have also witnessed substantial changes. Their interests and demands have evolved alongside technological advancements. Modern children are captivated by e-sports, video games, and social media. In contrast, children from a century ago engaged in imaginative play and spent time together at home or outdoors. The array of entertainment options available today far exceeds the limited possibilities of the past (IDCA, n.d.). Moreover, contemporary children have different expectations and needs. While a ball or a doll sufficed in the past, today’s children require more complex interactions with their peers.
To conclude, this text does not aim to pass judgment on whether childrearing was better 100 years ago or now. Instead, its purpose is to explore the changes in childrearing practices from both the perspectives of children and parents.
Sources
IDCA. (n.d.). Children’s Lives: Comparing Long Ago to Today. [Online] Available at: https://iowaculture.gov/history/education/educator-resources/primary-source-sets/childrens-lives-comparing-long-ago-to-today [Accessed 22 April 2021].
Mansfield, M. (2018). ”Sixpence.” In Hedencrona, E., Smed-Gerdin, K., & Watcyn-Jones, P. (Eds.), Solid Gold 2 (pp. 59-65). Studentlitteratur.