Privileges Today’s Children Take for Granted vs. What I Lacked as a Child
Just as my childhood was devoid of certain luxuries, today's children often take many privileges for granted without realizing the hard work and efforts that previous generations went through to achieve those benefits. As a parent, I have noticed a significant shift in privileges, and in this article, I will discuss some of these differences.
Access to Information
In the days of my youth, the only form of accessible information was through television broadcasts like Doordarshan. Today, the spectrum of information and entertainment has expanded exponentially with the advent of the internet, cable TV, streaming services, and mobile devices. Children nowadays have a plethora of options at their fingertips, making it easy to indulge in a vast world of knowledge and entertainment. A simple Google search or a few taps on a mobile app can provide access to a wealth of information that was unimaginable in my time.
Travel and Transportation
Back in the day, air travel to the native place was a privilege reserved for a lucky few. My children, however, view it as a routine affair. Travel is no longer a distant dream; it is a frequent part of their lives. Their excitement when booking airline tickets to travel to Kerala is just one example of the change in perspective. Children today are often exposed to travel early on, whereas I remember the luxury and excitement of just being able to visit a nearby town or city.
Consumer Goods and Food
The monotony of biscuit flavors and limited food options in my childhood is a stark contrast to the wide range of choices today's children have. Today, new biscuit flavors and even toothpaste varieties are introduced almost daily. While we were limited to a few options like Parle-G and Britannia Bourbon, my children have the luxury of trying out numerous flavors and brands. The diversity in food, from biscuits to chocolates to noodles, is a significant change that children today often fail to appreciate.
Education and School Life
Walking to school was a daily trek in my youth, regardless of the weather. The weight of heavy bags was part of the routine, and the journey was more than just transportation to school. Today, children have the option to take school buses, which makes the commute far easier and more comfortable. This change in transportation has made the school life of today's children more convenient and less physically demanding.
Luxuries and Privileges
Something as basic as the freedom to do what one wanted was a luxury in my childhood. Pocket money, for example, was a rare treat reserved for special occasions. Cycles, bikes, and cars were also luxuries that were not available to most. Today, these are considered standard in many households. Furthermore, TV, internet, computers, and smartphones are no longer restricted to a few; they are widely available and often part of everyday life.
Houses with separate rooms for each individual were once a status symbol. Today, they are more of a standard expectation. Phrases like 'my space' and 'privacy' resonate louder in the modern era, thanks to the significant changes in the way we live and interact.
Reflecting on these changes, I am grateful for the progress and advancements that have made our lives more comfortable and enjoyable. Yet, it is essential to remember the value of certain privileges and the hard work that previous generations did to achieve them.