A Childhood in the 40s

Friday, May 14th, 2010

We had a wonderful visit from grandad Johnny today. He told us his very interesting history of growing up in the 1940s. We were fascinated to hear about houses with no running water or electricity, about walking to school often barefoot, and especially about the games that children played.

Children in the 40s had no TVs, DVDs, CDs or electronic games with which to play, so they spent more time outside playing ball games, or with conkers or marbles, skipping, swimming in the river, playing games with ropes, and chasing each other. These games sound like they were a lot of fun. We should play them more often too.

Another thing that surprised us was the size of the families. Most of us are from families with two or three children. Johnny is from a family where there were 11 children. We can't even imagine what that must have been like!

We were wondering what schools were like in the 1940s. Johnny recommended that we visit the Bunratty folk park if we ever have time. The school room there is much the same as the school where Johnny attended so long ago.

Well done to Johnny for a very interesting and informative talk. You sound like you have had a great life.