Monday, January 22, 2007

BRITISH FAMILY LIFE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The typical British family has undergone a dramatic change in the last century. Large families are a rare occurrence with many families averaging 1.5 children or none at all. With more women than ever working long hours, it is increasingly difficult to strike a balance between work and family life. Sitting down together at a dining table for family meals is now a rare occurrence for many British families, with many not possessing a dining table and preferring to eat meals on their knee whilst watching tv. There are more obese children and adults than ever before in this country, as many live off ready meals and junk food. Cancer and heart disease are two of Britain’s biggest killers too, with bad diet being a major factor. Families don’t communicate like they used to. Could this be why we have so much youth crime in this century, as kids join gangs and seek attention from their peers outside the home?

Is it any wonder that there are more and more single people raising children now? So many marriages end in divorce these days. Not surprising really as couples are under pressure from all sides, pressure from bosses at work, emotional pressure of not spending enough time at home and financial pressure of working to pay the mortgage and bills. Modern life is quite often a rollercoaster ride of stress and pressure with Britons working longer and longer hours. We’ve come so far but maybe sometimes we need to take a step back and remember what’s really important in life. With rising divorce rates and family life breaking down in the 21st century, are we really better off? Maybe our ancestors could teach us a thing or two.

8 comments:

Sharon Lynne said...

Your description of British family life, sounds a lot like American family life. Hopefully there is still hope for us both! I'm am a writer, too! I enjoyed my visit at your blog.

Naomi said...

Fingers crossed! Thanks for stopping by Sharon. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit here.

CyberCelt said...

I think it is the way of the world, girl. I am hanging on to middle class by my toes and sheer will power.

All our parents wanted was peace and more than they had in life. We were robbed somehow.

JAM said...

Well, sounds like the land of my ancestors could benefit from simplifying their lives, just like us colonists.

Sad to see that the rest of the world has turned to bad diets and lifestyles.

(I'm here from the Blog Village Goes Gonzo Carnival.)

Unknown said...

Hi Naomi, I followed your link from the BLOG VILLAGE Goes Gonzo Carnival!!! I agree with Sharon Lynne (who has a cool blog), and cybercelt (who is getting to all the carnival posts first); the world is going to fast for people to stop long enough to set back and enjoy their families.

Naomi said...

Thanks for stopping by everyone. Hope you enjoyed your visit here.

Sheila said...

Hi Naomi. You are so right about stepping back. All that's done in the name of progress isn't making our daily lives one bit better, quite the opposite.

Rosemary said...

I'm like Sharon Lynne, in that this sounds way too much like the USA! It's a real shame when family stops being a top priority with parents. It's hard enough to bring up children to be responsible adults with both parents in the home. Sorry to see these trends what seems like about everywhere.

Thanks for sharing in our BLOG VILLAGE Family Blog Carnival.