I don't think we had the knowledge that we have today about the hazards for small children. Many parents today are much better educated on what their young child can play with safely, and the hazards around the home. -Ed, PopPop to four

I see the major difference being a child's social life. There are planned play dates with other children today. In my children's day, they just went outside and called on a friend to play or we dropped them off at friend's home to play if they did not live close. Play was more spontaneous rather than a "planned" activity. There seems to be more "structure" in the social life of kids today. I think that they have very little "down" time. -Linda, grandma to three

Our kids use family as babysitters but rarely get other sitters, especially in the evenings. Also, the grandkids sleep with the parents. Parents don't cook real food much. -Barb, grandma to eight

Children are more apt to do an activity on the computer vs. watching a children's program or activity. When my children were young, we did activities together as "family time" and didn't use the TV much at all. Now, many of the programs are right at their fingertips on a computer. -Kathy, grandma to seven

The one thing that amazes me most is the intelligence of the child. I had no idea how much they understood, could comprehend, or actually do at a much younger age. -Diane, grandma to two

It seems like you have to be more cautious as to how far you let them go out of your sight. -Ruth, nana to seven