Roman children

[Gluteus Maximus]

Don't get me wrong, I don't agree with the way (some) Romans treated children....

In Roman times, as in many non - western societies today, there was an expectation that all people, wether children or not, should be productive and useful. Whilst many of the practices referred to above were unacceptable by any definition, Roman society could not afford to give their children the exceptionally cocooned lifestyle we give our own.

One wonders how the Romans would view our own child rearing practices. To wrap a child in cotton wool, asking no working contribution towards the household until they reach adulthood (and even beyond); allowing them adult luxuries but expecting no adult responsibilities; feeding them with food we know is toxic and unhealthy because it is too much trouble to insist that they eat decent food; exposing them to constant entertainment and play without showing them any life or coping skills; lavishing a quarter of the yearly household budget on playthings for them each winter; totally taking their side if they commit any wrong either legally or at school; submitting to outrageous demands for material goods because they say their friends have them.

I think the Romans could teach us a few things.