If you have ever caught yourself feeling jealous of the kids of today then don’t. Sure, they have smartphones and PlayStations and all the rest but what about the things we did that they probably never will.
Climb Trees
Here’s a question to get us started; when was the last time you saw a kid climb a tree? I can honestly say that I haven’t seen this happen in years. On the other hand, when I was a lad we used to climb trees all the time; to spy on people, to grab apples or just because being up high seemed more exciting. Perhaps I can mention rolling down hills in this point as well. Gravity indeed used to be my friend.
Send and Receive Greetings Cards
I guess some children probably still send greetings cards but most probably don’t. Yet, I still remember the thrill of heading out to a card store and looking through row and row of funny, stupid and creative greetings cards. Even more exciting was when a card dropped through the letterbox with my name on it. What a thrilling way to start the day.
Have to Watch Whatever the Parents Are Watching
My almost encyclopedic knowledge of 80s golf players and soap operas comes down to the fact that I had to bloody well watch whatever my parents were watching. To be fair, we only had 3 channels anyway, so watching Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo probably was genuinely the best option at times. At other times, our small screen would be filled with Krystle Carrington’s shoulder pads or Hilda Ogden’s weird flying ducks. These days, every kid I know has their own TV hooked up to cable. Few of them watch Coronation Street or golf tournaments.
Wonder What Making a Phone Call Is Like
I honestly think that I was about 16 before I made or received a phone call. I remember watching my parents speak to relatives and wondering what it was like to speak on the phone. Now? My little girl asked for her first phone at 3 and was soon calling up friends and relatives.
Play Terrible Video Games
Is it just me or does anyone else think that modern video games are just too good? I grew up in a world of terrible games where you were never quite sure what you had to do in order to guide your badly drawn character. Give a kid of today Jet Set Willy or ET and they will ask you when the animated video sequences and augmented reality are going to kick in.
Play in the Street
Probably the saddest point on the list is this one. My mother used to open the door, shove me outside and then promptly forget about me. The other kids on my street would be in the same boat and any passing adults would nod and say hello to us. When was the last time you saw a bunch of kids playing innocently in the street? The 1970s?
Go On Errands to the Shops
I used to have the regular Sunday job of going to the local shop with empty soda bottles get returned and something to get bought in return. In fact, our local shop was a good 15 minutes away and I can’t even begin to imagine sending my daughter to do the same today. To be honest, it used to be a highlight of the week for me and I don’t remember ever having problems with it. Oh, except the time I bought a weird type of cheese and everyone got sick and blamed me for it.
