A retrospective look back at the era in which we grew up…
Childhood. It’s arguably the most important time of our life: a precious time where we need to feel safe, happy and loved.
Most importantly, for some of us, it is a time where some of our happiest memories were made.
Berry Street believes that every single child deserves to grow up with a childhood they want to remember.
The first of our ‘Childhood Conversation’ sessions involved 6 parents from a local school, taking a retrospective look back through their own memories and experiences at the era in which they grew up.
Discussion was informally structured around the following five key themes:
- Family environment- including: what did the average family structure look like? What were your perceptions of your parents’ work/life balance?
- Health & wellbeing – including: how did you play – structured or unstructured? What environments did you play in? What food did you eat? How much time did you spend out of doors? Risk taking behaviours?
- Education & Technology – including: what role did technology play within the family? What and how was information shared about families? Participation in education?
- Community Participation – including: involvement in local community? Consumerism targeting children? Children’s voice in decision making?
- Material Basics – including: understanding of poverty? Perception of employment/unemployment?
It was a fun and enlightening conversation and we look forward to bringing you a summary of the issues raised.
Post written by: Julie Noonan, School Engagement Co-ordinator, Berry Street Childhood Institute