Parenting Then and Now

Every Gen-Xer who watched TV knows the words to the limited script: Boy 1: “What’s this stuff?” Boy 2: “Some cereal. It’’s supposed to be good for you.” Boy 1: “Are you gonna try it? Boy 2: “I’m not gonna try it. YOU try it!” Boy 1: “I’m not gonna try it.” [enter lightbulb moment/stroke of genius here] Boy 2: “I know! Let’s get Mikey!” Boy 1: “He won’t eat it. He hates everything.” Camera pans to...

There were some really good theme songs for the cheesy 70s TV shows we used to watch, weren't there? Sanford and Son, Welcome Back Kotter, The Partridge Family... Depending on who you ask, some of these opening tunes were better than others. Regardless of which ones you liked best, it's safe to say that they were all pretty catchy. Remember? Visit the full post here to watch and listen to each sho...

  "Quiche was, apparently, a no-no, as was expressing emotions, sensitivity and romance. According to the societal edict of the time, men were to eat lots of meat, participate in “masculine” activities and wear only rugged and “manly” clothing. These proscribed directives were to be followed, no questions asked. That is, if you really were a man of the era." You can read the full post and subscrib...

When we look at pictures and videos of people in the past - say the 50s, 60s and 70s - don't you find that they look a lot older than people of the same age now? Why is that? What are the reasons that a 15-year-old in 1972 looks so much older than a teen of the same age today? What the heck is going on?? To see pictures of celebrities from the past who looked so much older than they really were, c...

There was a time in the 1970s when you couldn’t live life without the possibility of a naked person gracing your line of sight. Often, it was funny. Other times it wasn’t. Either way, it was always absurd. Read this post and subscribe to Living In The Past or more Gen X memories.

  When Uber was just a twinkle in the 21st Century's eye, there was a similarly efficient way of getting around. And parents everywhere worried about it.  

There was a time when no plans were made until the TV Guide was consulted. Remember?

What's in a name? A whole lot. Read on: Would Jennifer, Lisa or Melissa Please Stand Up? Subscribe to the Living in the Past Newsletter here.  

  In case you weren't aware, there was a TV show that reminded you - weekly. Read on: Lifestyles You Will Never Achieve Subscribe to the Living in the Past Newsletter here.

"Burn, baby burn!" And boy, did we ever. Read on: Metal Slides and Sunshine Don't Mix Subscribe to the Living in the Past Newsletter here.

A pre-Uber memory. Read on: Hitchin' a Ride Subscribe to the Living in the Past Newsletter here.

...was the back seat. Remember? Read on: The Best Seat Subscribe to the Living in the Past Newsletter here .

I know we won't go back again. Read on: Leaving on a Jet Plane Subscribe to the Living in the Past Newsletter here .

And there were many. Read on: Brand New Key(s)   Subscribe to the Living in the Past Newsletter here.

  When I was young I listened to the radio, waiting for my favourite songs... Read on: Every Sha-La-La-La  Subscribe to the Living in the Past Newsletter here.

  Jiffy Pop Popcorn was a lie. A scam. And we fell for it. Read on... Burnt Popcorn and Broken Dreams

Hi everyone! It’s me – Sam. A blast from the past, I’m sure you’re thinking. Yes – this is the podcast feed for the Parenting Then and Now Podcast and yes, you’re in the right place. You will probably be seeing a new cover art for the feed, and a new name: Living in the Past. This short update  is to let you know where I’ve been and why the podcast is evolving.   If you’re still here, you’ve likel...

When Marci Warhaft says she understands challenges, she's not kidding. The author of The Good Stripper tears off the mask of shame that she felt for so long and reveals the lessons she learned when life came at her fast.

Dr. Deborah Gilboa - "Dr. G. - knows how to overcome challenges. In her practice as a family doctor, she treats physical ailments but also teaches both parents and children how to be resilient in the face of adversity. With COVID-19 on the minds of many, her practical advice and skills for families have made a world of difference.

Growing up in an Italian-Canadian household, Maria Manna learned early how to be responsible and to persevere. Yet nothing could have prepared her for the painful parenting challenges that she experienced later on. From the darkness to the light, Maria lived, loved and learned and now teaches others how to find the light in their own lives. For more on Maria, visit her Wikipedia page. Get Maria's...

Back in the day, anticipation was the name of the game. Kids had to wait - and that was a good thing. Now, in the age of instant gratification, the waiting game is a distant memory.

There was a time when the day ended. Those times themselves ended with the advent of digital technology and 24/7 communication. This essay recalls life before constant notifications and information overload were regular occurrences. To read this essay online, go to I Wish it Were 1978 Just For One Day   To follow Sam on Medium, visit this link.

Jann Arden had experienced much in her life, but nothing prepared her for the experience of becoming the primary caregiver for her elderly mother. As Alzheimer’s disease took hold, Arden did her best to deal with the changes to the mother-daughter relationship that she had cherished for so long. While her mom’s health declined, Jann realized that she had to shift gears: no longer was she the child...

Natasha Solovieff was a child of the 50s and a woman who came of age in the 60s, giving her a unique perspective on parenting. She lived through major societal shifts including feminism and the redefinition of women’s roles in the 70’s. As a result, she had many more choices than her mother and previous generations of women. Her own decision to become a parent at a later age came after actively ch...