Tulsa Man Reflects on Simpler Parenting of the Past

Longtime resident Jerry Wilcox shares nostalgia for less complicated child-rearing.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene of children playing outdoors, with soft pools of warm color and light, conveying a sense of nostalgia and simplicity.A nostalgic reflection on the carefree days of childhood, before the complexities of modern parenting.Today in Tulsa

In a Tulsa World op-ed, local resident Jerry Wilcox fondly recalls a time when parenting was less stressful and demanding, before the rise of modern technology, social media, and intense academic pressures on children.

Why it matters

Wilcox's reflections tap into a common sentiment among older generations who feel that today's parents face unprecedented challenges compared to their own upbringings, sparking debates about the pros and cons of modern parenting styles.

The details

Wilcox, a 68-year-old Tulsa native, writes about his childhood in the 1960s and 70s when he could freely play outside all day, parents didn't constantly monitor their kids, and families had more quality time together without constant digital distractions.

  • Wilcox grew up in Tulsa during the 1960s and 1970s.

The players

Jerry Wilcox

A 68-year-old Tulsa resident who wrote an op-ed for the Tulsa World reflecting on his simpler upbringing compared to modern parenting challenges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We didn't have to worry about screen time limits, social media, and kids being overscheduled with activities. We just went out and played until the streetlights came on.”

— Jerry Wilcox, Tulsa Resident

The takeaway

Wilcox's nostalgic op-ed taps into a broader cultural debate about the pros and cons of modern parenting, with some older adults longing for a return to a simpler time while younger parents grapple with new challenges brought on by technology and societal changes.