My, How Things Have Changed! A Look at Childhood Then and Now

We used the appropriate titles and always treated them with respect.

Kids aren't afraid to give a little attitude (and even a few four-letter words).

Toys and creativity were our go-to method.

Technology is essential for a good time.

We rode in the beds of pickup trucks.

Kids can't ride without a car seat.

We communicated in person or over the phone.

Kids communicate through texts and the occasional Snapchat.

A page-turning pastime.

A "swipe left" pastime.

Wooden attractions were all the rage.

Splinter-free structures are the way to go.

We received our fair share of spankings.

Parents talk to their kids or put them in time-out.

We were out of the house as soon as breakfast was done — whether we liked it or not.

Kids sit in front of the TV, even during breakfast.

Being left home while your parents went to the store was no big deal.

Being left home while your parents go to the store is considered neglect.

We let our imaginations run wild.

Kids let the iPod take control.

Simplicity at its finest.

Complexity reigns supreme.

They weren't terribly realistic, but we could play with them.

They are too realistic and banned by many parents (finger guns included).

We were happy with our simple homemade costumes.

Kids (or, more accurately, parents) prefer an Etsy-worthy creation.

All you needed for a successful bash were pizzas, paper plates, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

If it doesn't look like it came from Pinterest, then it's a flop.

Word problems were (somewhat) simple to solve.

Common Core. Need I say more? Photo: Rebecca Gruber

We covered ourselves quite nicely.

The skirts are too short, the jeans are too tight, and there is way too much skin.

We rushed home from school so we could run around the yard.

Kids rush home from their extracurricular activities to finish all their homework.

Our parents yelled our name from the doorway or called our friends' parents.

Parents have an app for that.

We ran around till sunset without adult supervision.

Kids are constantly chaperoned, even if they are across the street.

A special treat on Friday nights.

The only way kids eat during the week.

A sweet moment captured on film.

A surefire way to be called a pedophile on the Internet.

We were in no hurry to grow up.

Kids can't wait to be adults.