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In between home visits today, I began thinking about childhood memories. I recalled what it was like growing up in the early 1970's in a small town. Our neighborhood was full of kids and cousins, ranch houses and well groomed lawns.
Everyone knew everyone and my best
friend lived two doors down. I remember sleepovers in backyards, holding carnivals to earn money for candy at the candy store (yes, there still was JUST a candy store), and having our own club (which had very a very stringent application process, i.e., you had to be cool or have enough money to buy the leaders some candy).
Our time was spent playing softball, dodgeball, riding bikes and playing with Barbies. It seemed we were always playing outside, especially in the evening. Games like "Red Rover" and a nightime version of hide and go seek (the name of which I think may have offended some, so I have edited it out. Despite the name, it was nothing more than hide and go seek in the dark. Where the name came from I do not know. If you're curious about the name, check my original post at www.thementormom.com under "Then and Now.")
We used to go out to the woods with my dad and help him as he cut down trees to be used as fireplace wood in the winter. We would help drag logs, branches and kindling to the truck and make up stories about what lived in the woods to keep our minds occupied.
My favorite memory? That would have to be building a teeter-totter out of the logs in our back yard with my best friend. We were so proud of our accomplishment! I still have the picture of the two of us in our furry parkas with our rosey, six year old faces beaming.
I was then brought back to reality by the sound of a car pulling into the parking lot with its extra-loud subwoofer of a speaker churning out a beat so loud the windows in my car rattled. As I watched the young teens pour out of the car with their cell phones and mp3 players firmly affixed on their persons like proud warrior badges, I began to wonder what memories this new generation will reflect on:
- What will they remember out mealtimes with their family table?
- What childhood games will they remember?
- Will they remain lifelong friends with the kids they grew up with?
- What family rituals will they remember?
- What will they remember about family trips?
Do you see where I am going with this? I understand that times have changed, blah, blah, blah. Have you thought about what memories you want your child to have? Do you want them to recall meals at the dinner table or eating in a car on the way to baseball practice? Are the things you are doing now in your home as a family and a parent going to have the desired outcome?
As parents, it is tough sometimes to look to our children's emotional future because we are so busy with our day to day lives. I challenge you to think about your family legacy and what you want it to be. Has this inspired you to make any changes? Please post your feedback!
Originally posted on July 26, 2006 at http://www.thementormom.com.
Copyright © 2006, Jill S. Urbane. All rights in all media reserved. The content of this article may be forwarded in full without special permission provided it is used for nonprofit purposes and full attribution and copyright notice are given. For other purposes, please contact Jill Urbane at www.thementormom.com.
(July 2006) (
