In a warm friendly gathering I started talking with my friends about our childhood joys. We came from different countries and cultural backgrounds yet we shared the same memories and in no time the place was overwhelmed by sighs and wet nostalgic eyes. Childhood memories for us united our feelings and we were all talking enthusiastically about the good old days of care free and authentic happiness. 

No matter where we came from or to which country we belonged, childhood is childhood. It was amazing to hear how we all played the same games as kids but with different names and little twists to the rules. The games we played differed in names but were similar in their effect. Which child in the whole world hadn’t played Hide and Seek or skipped a rope? Tell me about one girl who did not spend hours playing Hopscotch with her friends! Whether as couples or groups of four or more, children were always ready to play, jump and have fun.

Childhood was a joy in itself and nothing stopped a child from enjoying his time. Life was simple and the kids were determined to be happy even if they did not own toys. Fortunate or not, having a ball ready and available was not an issue. Boys willingly made their own football balls by stacking a number of socks together in a round mass and voila! Happiness were their choice. Children invented their own toys and means of entertainment. They made their own kites and girls sewed their dollies. Children were content with what they have. They were not demanding or hard to please.

Streets in the past were echoing with giggles and counting. Children were actively playing outdoor games like “Kick the Can”, “Hula-hoops”, “Capture the Flag” and legged racings were such a blast. Boys took pride in the marble collection and girls were bragging about their rope jumps. Fun was for everyone; rich or poor. Kids were active, full of zest and they were blessed with the grace of being part of a team. Individualism and loneliness were not in their dictionaries at that time. Throughout their pastime, they learned to share a sandwich as they shared a game. They helped and cared for each other genuinely without long boring lessons. Girls and boys were peers not rivals. They respected each other preferences and potentials without preaching or undermining. 

This generation grew up and they soon became parents of a new digital generation. Then technology arrived to drastically deprive their children of the authentic joys of the olden days. Outdoor games became history. Kids no more gather in the neighborhood to just stick together to have fun. Dominoes for them is no more than a pizza place! They are hooked to screens everywhere from Paly Station to mobile phones and so on and so forth. They even have virtual friends that they will never meet or know their features. Obesity, depression and many other issues are part of today’s childhood. They are never satisfied let alone happy. New generation kids have all the toys and games yet they complain of boredom. They are demanding and hard to please. They are grumpy and always on their nerves.

For me, they are miserable. I feel sad for my son. He will never have jolly memories to share with his kids. I try hard to wean him off his devices but to no avail. The current is harder than my attempts. He needs company to play “Hide and Seek” or laugh out loud when a player misses in” Musical Chairs”. It takes two to “Frisbee”! I cannot deny the bliss technology brought to him as to learning and knowledge but the cost is so dear. Today’s children might be well educated and skilled more than our generation but in return they missed the most precious pleasures of their lives. Can we ever set the balance right?