I’ve often pondered the strange feeling of approaching my 40s while still holding onto the carefree spirit of my younger years, maybe 18 or even 21. Yet, moments remind me that my kids, Emma and Jake, are growing up in a vastly different environment from the one I knew. I enjoy those nostalgic lists that resonate with children of the ’70s, and they always bring a smile to my face. However, Emma and Jake are true children of the 21st century. Here’s how:
- They have a strong preference for using speakerphone and are very comfortable with FaceTime. I recently had a chat with someone in their 60s who held their phone to their ear, assuming that was the norm. I find myself somewhere between these two extremes. Gone are the days of the kitchen wall phone with a long, twisty cord.
- Their concept of battery life is entirely different. While I start to panic at 70% battery, they wait until the device is completely dead before thinking about charging it.
- YouTube is their go-to platform for everything. It’s the first stop for finding any form of music or video online.
- They are obsessed with scents. This may be more specific to our household, with Emma constantly enveloped in clouds of perfume, while I lean towards the unscented—less glamorous, perhaps, but much easier on the nose.
- Carseats are such a standard part of American life that vehicles now come with built-in tethers for them. In contrast, I remember the thrill of bouncing around in the “way back” of a station wagon, completely unrestrained.
- Emma and Jake don’t know a world where TV shows air at specific times. For them, there’s no rush to catch a program at 8 PM; they just click and watch whatever they want. The concept of a VCR is utterly foreign to them.
- The term “mimeograph” is lost on them. The distinct smell of those purple pages is a nostalgic trip for me, while Emma and Jake simply log onto Google Drive to check their homework.
- Their ability to suspend disbelief is quite limited. While watching classic films, such as The Princess Bride, Emma scoffed at the “unrealistic” creatures on screen, a testament to today’s lifelike special effects.
- Photography is an unlimited venture for them. When we discussed buying a disposable underwater camera, Jake was baffled at the idea of having only 27 exposures. The thought of waiting for film to be developed was shocking.
- They don’t memorize phone numbers. Unlike me, who can still recall my childhood home number, Emma and Jake rely completely on programmed contacts.
- Map reading is a lost art. My father always emphasized its importance, but Emma and Jake have been conditioned to trust GPS for navigation.
If you grew up in the ’70s and are now parenting a 21st-century child, you might find these observations relatable. For those interested in the journey of parenthood and home insemination, check out this insightful piece on baby-making kits. Additionally, for deeper insights into the medical aspects of family planning, visit this resource on medical analytics. For guidance on IUI success rates, WebMD offers comprehensive information.
In summary, the generational divide between parents and their children continues to widen, shaped by rapid technological advancements and cultural shifts.