I heard a report on CNN that children were suffering from night texting just like a child would suffer from sleep walking. They do not even remember texting or what was said during the process. And they definitely do not remember doing the text. Can you imagine the things the sub conscience mind could think of during sleep? And the horrible things one could say to another without any concern for feelings. And we think we had it rough when kids called us a nickname that was not flattering like Curley, Windy, Sour Puss, Nerd, Teacher’s Pet, and the like. 

Imagine waking to a text message that could be threatening or something un-flattering or mean. Wow! We were lucky to have only a simple phone and often a party line where another could listen in on your conversation, often without your knowledge until you heard them breathe. And the cost parents pay for the privilege of having their children addicted to this little hand held device is enormous compared to the price my dad paid for phone service into our house. I see a lot of adults who are just as bad with today’s electronic world. We used to eat with a knife, fork, and spoon in our hand, not a phone. 

Oh another thing I learned is that 40 per cent of families do not take the time to sit down at the table to eat together. I remember suppertime was a sit down dinner, with everyone in attendance and we actually talked to each other about our day or concerns. And a quick trip to Mc Donald’s was not even a question. There were none. In fact there was very little “fast food” to be had. Maybe an Ice Cream place but if you ordered a sandwich you were served on a plate and ate there. Amazing how we have forgotten to communicate in person and eat a sit down meal with family on a nightly basis. And we wonder why we are overweight? 

We lived 60 miles from my grandparents but we saw them about every two or three weeks. And there was not a discussion as to “Do you want to go with us?”. It was understood that we all went together. I have children and grandchildren within 30 minutes and unless I mention I am cooking I never see them. And even then I am not surprised when they call and cancel because they have to take Jr. or Sis somewhere. Today the kids seem to rule the comings and goings of the family. In my childhood parents managed that activity for the most part. And we wonder what has become of the family unit? Sad reality is we cannot go back. We have become too integrated in today’s fast paced society to return to our childhood days. 

Remember shows like Father Knows Best and the Andy Griffith Show? Now we have The New Normal and Happily Divorced. Children in my generation were so blessed. No wonder we built the greatest place on earth. We had the greatest situation to build on. How did it get away from us? Children today laugh at our day and call us antiquated. So much for antiques. They are often priceless and so are we.