Food habits were non negotiable. What was cooked had to be eaten or you had to go hungry till next meal. Times have changed. Different items are cooked for children or at last moment if children find that home food menu is not to their taste, immediately something is ordered thru swiggy or zomato
Family would sit together for dinner and there was no distraction in the form of music or TV or mobile phones. Times have changed now. Many a times food timings are different and many a times even the location is different. Someone is eating in bedroom watching TV etc
Eating out was rare but feasts were prepared at home. Ladies of the house with children hopping all round , aroma of food wafting throughout the house made entire experience memorable. Times have changed. Home kitchen is being replaced by ready to eat or outsourced food.
At school whatever punishment teacher gave was upheld and many a times similar treatment was given at home. Parents had full belief on teachers. Times have changed. Parents now believe children more than they believe teachers. Punishments is absolutely forgotton thing now and even legally challenged.
Talking of punishments, fathers of yesteryears were the villian of family while mothers were the saviours. Thrashing was common. Times have changed. Seldom do parents hit or even scold their children. They act more of friends than parents.
Evening sports was compulsory. Children staying indoors meant they were unwell. Dust laden clothes, somtimes torn, fight with friends, bruises were acceptable. Children fought one day and were close friends again the next day. Times have changed. Children seldom go out to play physical sports. They instead play on computor and so miss on many lifelessons. Nowadays fight amongst children leads to fight amongst parents too.
Till 18 years of age, new clothes were purchased for marriages and occassions. Otherwise they were handed over from father to son. Times have changed. In many cases expenditure on children is more.
Family vacations were mostly visiting grand parents, simple, full of love and care and were inexpensive. Times have changed. Exotic vacations happen now.
Parents were more particular in saving first, for education, marriage, contingencies etc. Therefore they were conservative in spending. Times have changed, Now current generation spends as if there is no tomorrow. Credit cards and loans have reinforced this attitude.
Father was respected as the head of the family till he was alive. His word was respected and his decision was accepted by all. Times have changed. By the time children are married, they shift out and old parents are burden now.
Fallout of this is earlier grandchildren spent maximum time with grandparents. As a result years of experience, wisdom, maturity passed on to next generation in the form of stories, talks, anecdotes etc. Times have changed. This generation may have studied in fanciest of schools and may have all the knowledge. But wisdom is lacking.
Times change, people and societies evolve, every generation is different from the previous one. It is necessary also provided every next generation is physically stronger, emotionally stronger, wiser, have better immunity than before. But if it is not so then we need to rethink on this entire evolution process.
For me, all the traditions mentioned above had a meaning and purpose and I miss them now.
Truly beautiful