Growing up in the 80s was a unique experience. Parents raised their children differently compared to today’s parenting standards. It was a time when discipline was strict, children were allowed to roam freely, and technology was not yet fully integrated into the household. The 80s parenting style had its good, bad, and ugly sides.
The Good: Structure, Rules, and Discipline
Parents in the 80s were known for setting strict rules and boundaries for their children. Rules were instrumental in providing structure and discipline in a child’s life. Parents knew what was expected of their children and what was not allowed. As a result, children grew up with a sense of responsibility, and they knew that certain behaviors were unacceptable. Parents in the 80s also believed in staying engaged in their child’s life, from attending parent-teacher conferences to having family time set aside for bonding.
The Bad: Spankings and Other Forms of Punishments
Discipline in the 80s was often harsh, with spanking being one of the most common forms of punishment. Parents believed that spanking their children would teach them the difference between right and wrong. Unfortunately, spanking can quickly escalate to physical abuse if not practiced with caution. Children in the 80s often developed a fear of their parents, which affected their relationship with them in the long run.
The Ugly: Lack of Emotional Support
One of the significant drawbacks of 80s parenting was that emotional support was seldom provided to children. Parents focused primarily on the psychological and physical needs of their children. As a result, emotional support, attention, and validation were rarely given. Children were often left to figure out their emotions by themselves, causing them to develop adverse effects, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
In conclusion, 80s parenting was a mix of good, bad, and ugly. While strict rules and discipline were useful in shaping children’s behavior, spanking and other harsh punishments often had negative effects. The lack of emotional support given to children resulted in long-term problems in mental health. Parents today can learn from the good aspects of 80s parenting while being mindful of its downside. They can set rules while also providing emotional support and validation, creating a balanced and nurturing upbringing for their children.
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