• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Moment With Franca

A Family, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Family
    • Family Events
    • Family Life
    • Family Days Out
    • Birthdays
  • Lifestyle
    • Home & Interiors
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Garden
    • Kitchen
    • Health
  • Travel
    • Days Out
    • Things To Do In London
    • Holidays
    • Press Trips
  • Reviews
    • Toys & Games
    • Days Out
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
  • Seasonal
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Easter
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Giveaways
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Are Our Kids Missing Out On Childhood?

amomentwithfranca · 5 June 2016 · 69 Comments

I’m sure I’m not alone in questioning whether my kids are missing out on childhood. Do I wish they had the childhood I had? Despite growing up in a developing country, I was fortunate to have a carefree childhood and never went without. Due to advances in technology, kids have more access now to gadgets and information which simply was not available or possible when I was young. Living standards have also improved considerably, so its easy to assume that life is better than ever for our children.

Are Our Kids Missing Out On Childhood

Research undertaken recently by My Voucher Codes says that 32% of parents worry that their children rely on technology too much. Other surveys have also shown that parents are concerned that their children are growing up too quickly due to technology.

Looking around online, the question of whether kids are missing out on childhood is a common one and that many parents wish their children had the same upbringing as them. For me, the reality of the answer to the question comes down to the responsibility of parents in guiding children when it comes to technology and gadgets, an opinion also shared by Working Mother. Yes, things may have seemed less complicated when I was growing up and it was perhaps a time when everyone had more time for each other. We didn’t have any where near the amount of technology available, but despite this I have always embraced new technology as long as there are limits in place.

I wrote some time back about the need to disconnect once in a while, but when it comes to your kids its more important than ever that boundaries are in place. My two girls are still quite young (1 and 6), so its been fairly easy to manage this so far. There are some great tools out there which can help you with this such as the wonderful HomeHalo Parental Internet Control System which we reviewed last year.

To summarise, I’m taking the optimistic view that my kids will have a better childhood than me, particularly when it comes to technology and gadgets. It’s just down to us to make sure that this is balanced.

Do you think kids are missing out on the childhood you had? Please leave a comment as I would love to know what you think.

*Disclosure: this is collaborative post

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤

Franca  💋

Linking up with:

 

Related

Filed Under: Collaborative Posts Tagged With: Gadgets, kids, Missing Childhood, Technology

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ComplyorCry says

    12 June 2016 at

    It’s so hard not to use technology in parenting. Before my children were born I was sure I would never be “One of those mothers” but I am, I do use the television to distract my toddler while I load the washing machine. I give him my mobile phone to play games on so I can get an extra 10 minutes in bed in the morning and he even has one of those damn Scout toys that knows his name…but he plays outside, he paints and plays with playdoh and he reads books. Although technology has advanced further in our generation we face the same issues as our parents and grandparents did…..”Back in our day….[insert general comment here!] xx x

    Reply
  2. tracey bowden says

    12 June 2016 at

    It’s definitely about finding the right balance I think. I am a big advocate of kids playing with actual toys and getting time outside just like I did when I was younger. But Olivia does have her own phone, laptop and ipod but she is just as happy without them and I don’t usually have to limit her with them unless it’s before school! xx

    Reply
  3. Lucy says

    12 June 2016 at

    I think it’s like most things with children, you need to set boundaries and have a balance. Using technology is great and also a skill worth learning but I still want my little boy to read books and play outdoors X
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  4. BEAUTYBABYANDME says

    12 June 2016 at

    I do think things are very different now. My childhood was full of playing pompom and kerby in our village, we were out till dark when Mums would then come to the door and yell at us to come in. It was so carefree and I didn’t even have a computer or anything like that. I know Joshs upbringing is going to be so different but I am going to do my best to make it as fun as possible. I don’t want him relying on the ipad and laptop for entertainment xx #KCACOLS

    Reply
  5. Charlotte says

    12 June 2016 at

    I try to give my children the chance to do as I did as a child. If they weather is good they are outside in the garden. They do watch tele most evenings but I very rarely charge their tabs so they can’t use them #KCACOLS

    Reply
  6. emma says

    12 June 2016 at

    my son isn’t overly fussed the ipad at the mo. he prefers to be out and about. or he does like some paw patrol for a bit of down time. it is all about getting the right balance I think #kcacols

    Reply
  7. Emilie says

    12 June 2016 at

    My son is only 13 months so technology isn’t a big part of his life yet. I hope that we will be able to give him a good balance of outdoor play (which he already loves) and embracing technology. Both me and my husband use mobiles and laptops a lot so there will be no avoiding it but everything in moderation!

    Reply
  8. Cheryl @ tea or wine says

    12 June 2016 at

    It’s strange because as a child growing up my memories are all about being outside and running free. My kids won’t have this so much because times are so different. Their lives are enriched by the technology that we never had but I don’t want them to be enslaved to it. #KCACOLS x

    Reply
  9. Sara Skillington says

    12 June 2016 at

    I think it is definitely down to parental responsibility and a balance. Children need to be familiar with technology as they are growing up in a world that revolves around it. I do think it is a shame that they generally seem to spend less time outdoors which is why I try to encourage mine to do lots of things in the garden etc. I spent so much time ‘playing out’ when I was a child which I think had a lot of benefits. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  10. Life as Mum says

    12 June 2016 at

    It’s a bit of a tough one really. I do wish my girls had the same childhood as me. But then on the other hand, technology is what it is these days now. I would rather them learn from the age they are now and grow up, instead of being behind on the tech as they grow older. I do make sure they only have a certain amount of time on the iPad and some days they go without as I do prefer them going out or playing inside

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  11. Ky says

    12 June 2016 at

    As long as you get the balance right then I think it’s ok. At the moment Clem is a bit young and whilst she does like to watch tv/use the ipad for peppa or bing she is a complete outdoors child. She loves nothing more than running around the park or playing on a slide. We are quite a tech-y family and personally I am excited to see how the technologyy will change as she gets older. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  12. Mrs T says

    12 June 2016 at

    in the nicer drier weather I find my kids need less encouragement to ‘unplug’ and enjoy simple childhood pleasures like just enjoying the garden or the park. that said I do try to use screen time as a reward and set time limits. great post x #KCACOLS

    Reply
  13. Hayley McLean says

    12 June 2016 at

    I’ve been wondering about this lately myself, i dont think theyre missing out – I think childhood and life in general evolves from generation to generation – I remember my parents telling me that I was missing out on the childhood they’d known because we weren’t allowed to wander around without fear like they were! I’m very tempted to try some of my favourite childhood activities with my kids though, to see how they stand the test of time! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  14. Laura @ Dot Makes 4 says

    12 June 2016 at

    I think sometimes my son is missing out on what we had and did.
    Although we play board games, read and have no-screen time, I do wish that sometimes he would want to play outside rather than on his DS,. That said, during the better weather he needs no encouragement 🙂

    Laura xx
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  15. Jane Taylor says

    12 June 2016 at

    I had a wonderful carefree childhood in the 1970s. The kids cant believe we had such a great time with no computers, 3 channels on the TV and no computer games. We just played in the field or played ball games or hide and seek.

    We try to get out as much as possible as a family and limit electronics but I know that if the girls are on an ipad, they happily leave it if we are offering them quality time with us or going out as a family. It is all about boundaries and balance. #FOrtheloveofblog

    Reply
  16. Jane Taylor says

    12 June 2016 at

    I mean #KCACOLS! SOrry Franca, I have my linkies in a twist tonight 😉

    Reply
  17. Emma Jones says

    12 June 2016 at

    I do worry they are missing out & have a similar post in my drafts. Unfortunately kids can’t play out like they dI’d years ago. My 2 children use tablets alot but don’t watch much tellyou so I figure it balances out. I always encourage playing in the garden & we have a huge trampoline they use often. It is tricky. #kcacols lifeinthemumslane

    Reply
  18. Geraldine says

    12 June 2016 at

    I was only talking to my mu, about this and she reassured me that it’s different times now. It’s all about balance but you can’t deny that kids are going to go up with technology all around the pa and that they will need it. #kcacols

    Reply
  19. Discombubulated says

    12 June 2016 at

    It’s definitely all about balance. Mine use the tablet but prefer to play in the garden, they watch telly but they also love playing with Lego! As long as they’re not just doing one thing, I think it’s fine! I remember having hours of fun with my little Munchman arcade game and I view the time my kids play games on the iPad the same way. They’re unwinding. They don’t just do that but it’s fun! This of course might all change as they get older but for now, it’s OK. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  20. Nicole @ The Professional Mom Project says

    13 June 2016 at

    I think providing the right balance is important. When I was a kid I watched a fair bit of tv and I turned out ok (I think 😉 I do try and limit my son’s screen time so that he’s not always in front of the tv or iPad and spends lots of time outside being active and engaging in imaginative play. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  21. themotherhubblog says

    13 June 2016 at

    I was just thinking about this the other day as we were driving a couple of hours across country and both the kids had their heads stuck in screens. When I was a kid we used to drive from the North East of England to the south of france with nothing in the back to entertain us but my dads terrible singing! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  22. The Tale of Mummyhood says

    13 June 2016 at

    I totally agree, our children are in such a privileged position these days in terms of technology. It’s just up to us as parents to make sure their life experiences are as balanced as can be.

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  23. Lucy at occupation: (m)other says

    13 June 2016 at

    I think getting the right balance is definitely going to be the challenge – particularly as they get older and more independent with their gadget! So far we are low tech and happy doing tradition childhood things (my son is only nearly three) but I imagine that will change VERY soon. Definitely a thought provoking one xx #KCACOLS

    Reply
  24. laughing mum says

    13 June 2016 at

    I think its easy to say its ‘missing out’ but its not really is it? they are none the wiser. Just because we didn’t have what they have now doesn’t mean they are missing out, its just different. Your right though, balance is key.. my kids spend ages glued to their Apple products but they also still go outside and play and see friends etc.. they think its great, they are more than happy, and although the teen might moan she doesn’t have that much freedom (whereas I did) its simply because it IS a different time. I think as long as your trying to be a good parent and your kids are happy and balanced then thats all that matters 🙂 #kcacols

    Reply
  25. Jen @Practical, By Default says

    13 June 2016 at

    As a mom I really love your balanced viewpoint, it is so true our childhood is so much different then our children’s now. Finding balance is key! #kcacols

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

HI THERE, I’M FRANCA!

Hi, I'm Franca, a lawyer mum of 2 gorgeous girls married to my best friend, living in London. Award nominated parenting & lifestyle blogger. Read More…

Christmas Offer

Pines and Needles Discount Offer

Family Days Out

  • The Best Light Trails In London 2022
  • The London Transport Museum During Christmas
  • Monopoly Lifesized Review

Collaborative Videos

Popular Videos





AWARDS

BritMums



BritMums

Tots100

Tutora Best Parent Insight Blog Award Shortlist

RANKING

Tots100
Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2020

Flea Network Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2018

MEMBER

LINKY

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
✨Breakfast✨.Nothing like a healthy filling b ✨Breakfast✨.Nothing like a healthy filling breakfast, right? I have been trying to keep eating a good breakfast every morning to help me with my low iron! .Most days I have branflakes and sometimes weetabix but Fridays to Sundays, I make a little effort and prepare overnight oats. I love them! They are so tasty and leave me satisfy for hours which means not craving for snacks until lunch time! Win win 😀.I prepare the oats with chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, honey and leave it overnight. In the morning, I serve it with strawberries, blueberries, banana and honey. It is so good! 😋 I vary the fruit that I put in but everything else is the same..What do you like eating for breakfast?.#overnightoats #oatsforbreakfast #easybreakfast #simplebreakfast #togobreakfast #quickbreakfast #breakfastideas #healthybreakfastideas #breakfastinspo #breakfastbowl #breakfastgoals #breakfastlover #oatmealbowl #breakfastclub #oatmealbowl
✨Teacher’s Strike Day✨.Happy hump day! So ✨Teacher’s Strike Day✨.Happy hump day! So we have our first teacher’s strike day today which means no school and learning from home..Bella is doing her school work via Google classroom so she will follow her normal school day that way and Sienna doesn’t have a structured day from school today so she should have a day off but we have agreed for her to do some work too, so she will be reading, practicing for her spelling test and doing some maths. This way we can all have a productive day 😉, well hopefully! 😬. Have you been affected by the strike today? What are your plans? .#sistertime #sisterlylove #sistersgoals #sisterhood #hermanas #sistersforever #sistersforlife #sisterslove #siblingslove #lovemydaughters #raisingdaughters #mydaughters #westfield #westfieldlondon #londonkids
✨Happy Friday✨.Did you have a good week? Unf ✨Happy Friday✨.Did you have a good week? Unfortunately, it wasn’t that good for us because the girls have been under the weather. Bella started first with a sore throat and high fever for a few days and then when Bella got better, Sienna started! She got a horrible cough but no temperature. Her cough was that bad that she couldn’t sleep very well for a couple of nights. They are both much better now and back to school.. The weather hasn’t helped either. It has been so cold lately! I literally feel frozen all the time. Thankfully it is looking better atm as the temperatures are starting to rise. I decided to get my flu vaccine, so I hope it protects me from all these viruses that are going around! Have you had the flu vaccine too? .On another note, I went yesterday to a parents meeting about GCSE options for Bella. I can’t believe she needs to think about it already ahead of Year 9. The time really goes fast. Are your kids dealing with GCSEs too?.📸 Sharing this beautiful bouquet of flowers from @freddiesflowers to brighten up our day.#flowerarrangement #flowerdelivery #bouquetofflowers #flowersmakemehappy #loveflowers #flowersoftheday #flowersoftheweek #flowerlover #freshflowers #flowerobsession #bunchofflowers #foreverflowers #flowersofinstagram #homesweethome
Ad✨FUL London✨.I love going to the hairdress Ad✨FUL London✨.I love going to the hairdresser. It is one of my favourite things to do. There is nothing like the feeling you get when everything is done and your hair looks fantastic! I was so excited when @livetruelondon invited me again to visit one of their salons in London to try out a new treatment using their new hair care brand @ful_london Swipe left to see the final look ☺️.On the blog there is my review of this new hair treatment that has transformed my hair! Check the link in my bio ☺️.Do you invest in hair products? Do you like hair masks? .#livetruelondon #haircareproduct #haircareproducts #haircaretips #colouredhair #hairtreatment #blondehair #hairmask #balayagehair #over40 #over40blogger #overforty #overfortystyle #over40andfabulous #over40mom
✨Cadbury World✨.During the holidays we went ✨Cadbury World✨.During the holidays we went to @cadburyworlduk in Birmingham. The in-laws live close to the city so we decided to visit..I was surprised with the amount of activities they offer. I thought it was just a quick visit to the factory but how wrong I was. See below all the activities included with the price 👇🏻🍫 Aztec Jungle🍫 The Cadbury Story🍫 Journey to Europe🍫 4D Chocolate Adventure 🍫 Manufacturing 🍫 Gill Cocks Collection🍫 Making chocolate story🍫 Cadabra car ride🍫 Bull Street🍫 The Bournville Experience🍫 Chocolate Making🍫 Advertising Avenue🍫 Purple Planet🍫 Have a go discovering different chocolate making techniques and doodle your name with chocolate🍫 Cadbury World Chop with amazing prices🍫 Cadbury World Cafe🍫 African Adventure Play area (outside)🍫 Green Screen (you pay extra for photos)🍫 Character Meeting.You don’t have to do all the activities. You can go at your own pace and skip the activities you don’t fancy doing. Useful Information:📍 Cadbury World, 69 Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR💰 £18.95 Adults (16+), £13.95 Child (3-15), £59.85 Family of 4 (max 2 adults), Free for Under 3. 🍫 You get free chocolate! ⏰ THE MAIN ATTRACTION LASTS 1.5 - 2 HOURS. On average, visitors spend around 3-4 hours visiting Cadbury World. ℹ️ AGE RECOMMENDATION suitable for all ages.As you can see, there was plenty to do which entertained us for hours! The Cadabra car ride was cool! Watch the video until the end to see the activities we did ☺️.It was such a fun day out. We definitely recommend you to visit if you are in the area. And…..who doesn’t want some free chocolate, right? 🍫We sure did! 😂😋🙌🏻.Have you visited Cadbury World before?.#cadburyworldbirmingham #cadburyworld #cadbury #cadburydairymilk #cadburychocolate #chocolate #chocolatefactory #familydaysout #familydayout #familyfuntime #familyfunday #ukattractions #thingstodoinbirmingham #thingstodowithkids #familytime💕
Ad PR Invite✨Matilda The Musical✨.I was so e Ad PR Invite✨Matilda The Musical✨.I was so excited to take Sienna to watch @matildathemusical at Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden thanks to @londontheatre (swipe left until the end to see a short video of the stage beautifully decorated) 🎭.I have already seen this musical twice with Bella but it was finally the time to take Sienna now she is older. She is the No 1 fan of Matilda. She knows all the songs and dances so she was over the moon to watch it in person. Apparently, she would love one day to be in that stage too! Bless her! 🥰.Even though I have seen it before, each time has brought a different experience for me as they change/rotate the cast often so it feels like a new show watching a new Matilda each time. This is the type of show that you wouldn’t mind watch it many times! 😀.Useful Information:📍Cambridge Theatre, Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU (near Tube is Covent Garden)💰 From £20.00 – No fees⏰ RUNNING TIME 2 hours, 35 minutes (including 20 min interval)ℹ️ AGE RECOMMENDATION 6+.It is such a fantastic show. This cast is amazing! We were so impressed! We can definitely recommend you to go and watch it too! Check @londontheatre for fabulous deals for this show and many others. .Have you seen Matilda?.#MatildatheMusical #londontheatre #theatrelife #westend #musicaltheatre #theatrekid #whatsonstage #8yearsold #thingstodoinlondon #londonwithkids #whatsonlondon #timeoutlondon #letsdolondon #musicaltheatrelife #theatreforkids
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Copyright © 2023 · A Moment With Franca · Privacy Policy

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

A Moment With Franca
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.