[Harmless Teddy Bear]

We live way beyond the standard of our parents.

Indeed. One car is now two at least, kids used to sleep at least two to a bedroom. One TV, one phone, no VCR/DVD or computer, no cable.

Food was bought as ingredients and assembled at home. Few kids were involved in after school activities that required a cash outlay and nobody belonged to a gym. Clothing was often handed down from one child to another and if your sock had a hole you mended it instead of buying a new one.

[RobbyS]

If your radio .or your watch. or a host of other items broke or wore out, you has it repaired instead of throwing it away.