Old time play. What passtimes from your childhood will never be again?

[Lizzie Poppet]

169. As an entire culture, we're sort of "pulling in" on ourselves.

Our interactions move more and more into virtual space...and I think the isolation this causes has been transmitted to kids. Kids don't (as commonly) head outside and meet up to hang out and do stuff outdoors. They text each other, then go hang out at one kid's place...and play video games, etc. A lot of parents prefer this situation, as they're fearful of various dangers "out there."

I think you're on to something with your mention of the shift to two-income families (or single parents, who usually can't be at home all day, either). The perception is that there's no adult to watch over the kids...or at least be within easy reach.

I consider the fear of having one's kids messed with while they play outside (or walk to school, etc...) is exaggerated rather grossly out of proportion to the actual statistical chance of such a thing occurring. But I understand that when it comes to one's own kid, coldly rational analysis tends to give way to emotion. Human nature. And we're all bombarded by culture-of-fear rubbish in the media on a continual basis...