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 Mikey, who has been given the unwanted bowl of cereal. Mikey, completely unawares, starts eating and doesn’t stop. Boy 1: “He likes it!! Hey Mikey!!” Cue voiceover with a call to action about how Life Cereal is good or you, etc. Never again could four words in simple succession immediately become the catch-phrase of the era. You can read the full post here: He Likes It! Hey Mikey!

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 show's opening theme and segment: The Top 10 TV Show Theme Songs From the 1970s Subscribe to Living in the Past so that you never miss another reminder of your Gen X experience: http://livinginthepast.substack.com  

  "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 subscribe here: https://livinginthepast.substack.com/p/real-men-didnt-eat-quiche-in-the

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, check out the corresponding post called "Did People in the Past Look Older?" on http://livinginthepast.substack.com

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 likely noticed that I haven’t posted a new PTAN episode in almost two years. We know what’s been going on in the world since April 2020 – COVID being the biggest change, but lots of other social and political upheavals as well.   That being said, yes – those realities factored into the silence from this side of the mike, but that wasn’t the only reason. Truth be told, I realized that I’d evolved beyond the Parenting side of PTAN as my kids are now much older than when I started in 2017, and I’m not looking at parenting the same way. What has remained, however, and what has been consistent from the start of the podcast, ha

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. To buy her book, click here: The Good Stripper Check out her site Fit vs. Fiction Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

With COVID-19 on the minds of us all, it can't be easy being a family doctor dealing with both physical and emotional stresses. Dr. Deborah Gilboa - also known as "Dr G." has provided medical and mental health supports to families who are challenged living through a pandemic. Dr. G's insightful and practical perspective on resilience and it's function as a tool for healing and positivity have made all of the difference to her patients. For  more on Dr. G, visit her website at http://askdrg.com To buy Dr. G's books here: Get the Behavior You Want... Without Being the Parent You Hate!: Dr. G's Guide to Effective Parenting Teach Resilience: Raising Kids Who Can Launch Teach Respect: That's My Kid! Teach Responsibility: Empower Kids with a Great Work Ethic