8 everyday things that I’m sad my grandchildren might never experience

As this world changes, I can’t help but feel nostalgic about the way things used to be… and that my grandchildren mightn’t be able to experience them.

Some simple pleasures or even routines we’ve become accustomed to seem to be fading before my eyes and as I stop and write this, I wonder too what my life will be like in 5, 10, 15 years’ time.

Post office

I know that the post office still exists but I wonder how much longer for? I live in a small town and we don’t have letter box delivery, so we have to go to the post office and get it from Sue, the owner. However she thinks soon enough there’ll just be metal storage boxes we will electronically open and get our mail out. My grandkids will not know the difference, or perhaps even the joy of getting a letter (that isn’t a bill).

Talking to someone, not a robot

Self checkouts have already started taking over the supermarkets and some stores like Kmart and Big W, but I remember a time when registers didn’t even have digital displays, and cashiers had to count out the change. Now, if you want to buy some milk from your local supermarket, you’re more likely to be speaking to the robot who asks you repeatedly to put the item in the plastic bag. Believe me, on lonely days, this interaction can be a lot more irritating than convenient.

Film developed

Do you remember the joys of having film developed? My grandchildren won’t ever experience that. In fact right now if I were to show them a film camera, I’m afraid they mightn’t know what it is. We didn’t have a ‘delete’ button – we’d have a limited amount of photos and if they all turned out black, that’s just what happened. Kids are missing out on that spontaneity we had, and the carefree nature of photography. Now it’s all about selfies and making everything perfect.

Read the newspaper

Once upon a time, dear grandies, there was such thing as a newspaper, and everyone read one to get their news. We couldn’t just turn on the TV or our phone and see news any time of the day – this was our main media. We’d find out about deaths, births, world events – you name it. Kids these days don’t immerse themselves in the outside world as much and I feel it’s quite sad.

Records

Ah, vinyl records. I still have so many. Who can go past that soft crackle when you put the record on? It’s a simple pleasure that young people just can’t appreciate. They have their Apple music and streaming and don’t have time to listen to the classics or even a new record on vinyl. It was the best way to listen to your favourite music.

Knitting/sewing/crocheting

I absolutely love sewing and knitting, but I can tell you right now: I don’t know anyone in their 20s who can do the same. It’s a lost skill and it pains me to see some many clothes and other items thrown out because a young person doesn’t know how to patch something up! There’s such joy in creating something with your hands.

Going to the bank

It sounds a bit silly but I really enjoy going to the bank, even if it’s just to cash a cheque or check my balance. I read the other day that cash money won’t exist in 5-6 years, and if that’s the case, my grandkids will no idea about how currency used to work. In turn i think this will cause issues with money management as it’s not tangible.

Reading a hardcover book

The smell of a new book is hard to replicate… I know because I’ve smelt my Kindle! There’s some so enjoyable about opening up a new book and sitting down with a cuppa. While eBooks are so accessible, I think children especially will miss out on that feeling and maybe even a love for books.

Tell us, what other things are becoming relics of the past? What do you think our grandkids are missing out on?