The hottest Childhood Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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On Fairy Tales

Secretum Secretorum • 151 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
📚 Literature Storytelling Childhood Mythology Symbolism
  1. Fairy tales often focus on themes of transformation and redemption, showing how characters grow and change through their challenges. For instance, Belle and the Beast evolve through their relationship, revealing that true beauty lies within.
  2. Telling stories connects generations, creating a special bond between the elderly and young, as tales from the past guide the future. These stories help children understand their roots and the world around them.
  3. The journey in a fairy tale is often unpredictable, leading characters to unexpected places where they ultimately discover what truly matters. This reflects our own journeys in life where we learn and grow along the way.

Childhood and Education #8: Dealing with the Internet

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🚌 Education Childhood Internet Technology Social media Bullying
  1. Smartphones in schools are a big distraction, and many people think they should be banned. Too many notifications from social apps during class just makes it hard for kids to focus.
  2. Social media can harm kids, especially girls, by exposing them to things like cyberbullying and unwanted advances. Many parents want more safety and protection for their children online.
  3. There's a scary trend called sextortion where scammers take advantage of kids online. It's important for parents to talk to their kids about it so they know how to handle such situations.

In Touch With The Inner Adult

The Fry Corner • 13848 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Childhood Media Fashion Consumerism
  1. People today can be very sensitive about their choices and how others comment on them. It's important to express observations without appearing critical.
  2. There has been a major shift in the way people interact with childhood memories and experiences. Many adults are embracing what were once seen as childish interests.
  3. Maturity and adulthood seem to have less appeal for some people now. Many are choosing to hold onto their youthful pleasures instead of fully embracing the traditional responsibilities of adulthood.

In Defense of the Great American Sleepover

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5420 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Childhood Parenting Social norms Education Traditions
  1. Sleepovers are an important part of childhood and can help build friendships and social skills. They create lasting memories and experiences together.
  2. Some people believe that fewer sleepovers could lead to better academic outcomes and more focus on studying. They suggest prioritizing education over social activities.
  3. Critics of eliminating sleepovers argue that balance is key. Both social experiences and academic pursuits are important for a well-rounded development.
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It's 1986 and here's what we're doing

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Childhood Music Lifestyle Society
  1. The story is about two kids in 1986 having fun on their BMX bikes and enjoying their freedom. They go on little adventures like buying candy and riding around their neighborhood.
  2. They have a paper route and deliver newspapers, encountering different neighbors along the way. This includes a nice lady who gives them a kitten, showing the importance of community.
  3. They love music and often hang out at a record store. They enjoy playing records at home and watching movies together, making the most of their childhood.

Shin Guards

Public Universal Friend • 79 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Childhood Social Dynamics Violence Memory Identity
  1. The story showcases how childhood games can sometimes lead to unexpected violence. The characters are just kids but their actions escalate quickly.
  2. The main character grapples with their identity and feelings of powerlessness, especially when witnessing a friend getting hurt. It highlights the struggle of fitting in while facing personal conflicts.
  3. Friendship dynamics play a major role in the scene, showing how peer pressure can influence actions and decisions, making it hard to stand up against the group.

The Momfluencer Who Went to Jail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 867 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Parenting Influencers Abuse Childhood
  1. Ruby Franke, a social media influencer, was arrested for child abuse after her son showed signs of neglect. This case shines a light on the darker side of online parenting.
  2. Her daughter Shari has shared her experiences growing up, highlighting the difference between Ruby's public persona and the reality at home.
  3. The situation raises questions about the impact of sharing family life online and how it can hide serious issues beneath the surface.

A Plea for a raise

Letters of Note • 1611 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Letters Childhood Money Lessons
  1. 10-year-old John F. Kennedy asked for a raise of 30 cents in a formal letter to his father.
  2. The letter explained his need for more money to buy scout items and be responsible with his spending.
  3. His father required a written request for the raise, teaching John a quick business lesson.

Marshall McLuhan on Why Content Moderation is a Red Herring

After Babel • 2883 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media Childhood Content Moderation Online safety Tech Ethics
  1. Content moderation is essential, but focusing solely on it overlooks larger issues related to the harmful effects of platforms on kids
  2. The harmful impact of social media on children is not just about the content they consume, but also about the changes in childhood due to excessive screen time
  3. Implementing norms like delaying smartphones until high school could help in restoring a healthier, play-based childhood for kids

Mixed feelings

Austin Kleon • 2517 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art Media Family Emotions Childhood
  1. It's normal to feel two emotions at once, and that's okay. We all have mixed feelings about things in life.
  2. Kids can learn a lot from shows like Daniel Tiger, especially about understanding emotions and complex feelings.
  3. Adults often struggle more with these feelings, and it's important to practice dealing with emotions rather than ignoring them.

The Anxious Generation is Almost Here

After Babel • 2390 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Parenting Book release Childhood Technology
  1. The book discusses the impact of overprotection in the real world and underprotection in the virtual world on children.
  2. The book suggests actions like making schools phone-free and holding social media companies accountable are needed for a healthier childhood.
  3. The book aims to empower teachers, parents, and Gen Z to understand the issues and work together to reclaim a more grounded, less digitally dependent life.

The World's Most Dangerous Toy Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Toys Hobbies Childhood Nostalgia Play
  1. The Cox E-Z Flyer was a very exciting yet dangerous toy that required two people to operate safely. One person would start the plane while the other controlled it as it flew in circles.
  2. Many kids thought they could perform tricks with the plane, but this often led to crashes instead of successful flights. Ignoring safe practices usually resulted in broken planes and unhappy flyers.
  3. Although it was popular among hobbyists, the Cox E-Z Flyer was not made for kids and ended up causing more trouble than fun. It’s a reminder that some toys can be more dangerous than they seem.

"Look What You Made Me Do"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1318 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Mental health Childhood Family Dynamics Abuse
  1. Borderline Personality Disorder can lead to emotional instability and unpredictable behavior, affecting those around them. It's important to understand that this behavior is not the fault of others.
  2. Experiencing emotional or psychological abuse manifests in guilt and confusion, often leading to questions about one's actions. People involved can feel responsible for the abuser's pain, which is a common manipulation tactic.
  3. Societal norms have changed, and behaviors once considered unacceptable in private are now more visible and often seen as normal. It's vital to recognize these signs of abuse in both personal relationships and broader social contexts.

Don't Tell Your Parents

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Childhood Empathy Entertainment Parenting Perception
  1. Kids see the world differently than adults do. They have unique perspectives and experiences that adults often struggle to understand.
  2. Entertainment for kids used to create a sense of adventure and secrecy, but now it often feels like adults are trying too hard to be relatable. This can take away the excitement for children.
  3. Empathy is important for both kids and adults. Understanding each other's viewpoints can help bridge the gap in communication and lead to better relationships.

*Tell Us a Childhood Story*, Part 1

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Memoir Childhood Storytelling Writing Publishing
  1. Memories from childhood can be really fun to share, especially the funny or mischievous stories from when we were kids. It's great to connect with our own kids by telling them about our past adventures.
  2. Writing about my childhood was a breeze because I have so many vivid memories. It felt exciting to dive into those stories and create something new like a book.
  3. I'm open to exploring new opportunities in writing, even if it's a challenge. I believe that persistence pays off, and I'm excited about the possibility of sharing my childhood stories with a wider audience.

The boy is father to the man

The Recovering Academic • 692 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
📚 Literature Memoir Fatherhood Childhood Family Dynamics
  1. The essay delves into the complexities of fatherhood, exploring how childhood experiences shape adult behaviors and beliefs about parenting.
  2. The author reflects on personal memories with his father, highlighting moments of intimacy and discomfort that have influenced his relationship with fatherhood.
  3. Inherited trauma is suggested as a possible explanation for certain behaviors exhibited by the author's father, prompting reflection on generational impacts on parenting.

Whence Fall Snowflakes

Bastiat's Window • 511 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Education Society History Childhood Urban planning
  1. Toxic fragility in universities may stem from lack of confrontation, mentorship, and intellectual exploration among students.
  2. Past educational practices like age-segregated schooling and urban designs have impacted critical thinking and creativity in children.
  3. Restrictions on children's time and space lead to a generation dependent on constant supervision, impacting their ability to explore and think independently.

Mississippi Mud

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 477 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Memoir Childhood
  1. Living near the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi wasn't what it seemed for a family struggling in the summer of 1980.
  2. Childhood creativity and imagination can serve as a powerful escape from hunger, boredom, and pain.
  3. Memories of making Mississippi mud pies symbolize resilience in the face of struggle and the ability to find joy in difficult circumstances.

In search of simplicity

The Recovering Academic • 494 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Simplicity Love Fatherhood Community Childhood
  1. Simplicity in life can bring greater joy and contentment, like the experience of a cool breeze on a perfect day.
  2. Consumerism and materialism often disguise themselves as gifts, leading to disappointment and a sense of lack.
  3. Guiding children towards simplicity while balancing the influences of a consumer-driven society is a challenging yet important task for parents.

*Tell Us a Childhood Story*, Part 2

Bet On It • 80 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Non-fiction Memoir Stories Childhood Essays
  1. Childhood stories can be strange and memorable. They often shape who we are later in life.
  2. Sharing personal stories helps connect with others and evokes emotions. It can create a sense of understanding and community.
  3. Reading or listening to childhood tales can inspire us to reflect on our own past experiences. They remind us of the lessons we've learned and the fun we've had.

Memory Trains

lettersonbeing • 294 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Memory Childhood Nostalgia Music
  1. The author reminisces about childhood memories associated with the sounds of trains
  2. Solitude is embraced and valued by the author as a warm blanket of safety
  3. The sounds of passing trains were a comforting part of the author's childhood environment

The English writer who colonized young Indian readers

The Global Jigsaw • 138 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Children's literature Cultural influence Childhood Globalization
  1. Enid Blyton's books were popular in India because they were easily available in English during a time when options were limited.
  2. Reading Blyton's stories allowed Indian children to imagine a different world and travel to distant places without leaving their homes.
  3. Younger generations today may not connect with Blyton's tales due to different experiences, preferences, and access to diverse reading materials.

On Imagination

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Imagination Creativity Childhood Art Literature
  1. Imagination can be like a muscle that anyone can develop, regardless of when they start. It's not just for kids; even adults can tap into their creativity with practice.
  2. Many people carry the imaginative play from their childhood well into adulthood, often using it in unexpected ways. This can lead to a richer and more enjoyable life experience.
  3. Imagination is a tool for understanding the world and storytelling, but our culture often undervalues it. We can still push our minds towards creativity, which can help us see things differently.

Cockroaches

The Leftovers • 159 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Childhood Facts Memoir
  1. The author recalls childhood memories of cockroaches in Argentina, where they were a common presence and even seen as pets amongst kids due to a TV show.
  2. Cockroaches lost their charm for the author when a cholera epidemic hit in the early 90s, changing the perception of these insects.
  3. The post also includes five interesting facts about cockroaches that the author found online, highlighting their resilience and unique characteristics.

SPOOKtober 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 79 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Family Childhood Celebration
  1. Halloween is not traditionally celebrated in Australia, but it is becoming more popular. Many kids now expect to celebrate it, including going trick-or-treating.
  2. The author is unsure how Halloween became such a big event in the US. They find it a bit confusing but recognize its growing acceptance in Australia.
  3. This update is mainly for paid subscribers, highlighting that the content is intended for a specific audience.

The Magic of Time Travel

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Memory Identity Home Childhood Parenting
  1. People often feel a strong connection to their childhood homes. Visiting these places can bring back memories and a sense of who we used to be.
  2. There's a desire to revisit not just places, but also previous versions of ourselves. It’s like wanting to time travel to rediscover moments from our past.
  3. Sharing our childhood experiences with our children helps them see us as whole people, not just as their parents. It's a way to connect different generations and share our stories.

Vol. 1, Issue 44 - Rachael Gater's Pokémon Memories

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Gaming Childhood Memories Holidays
  1. Rachael Gater shares her special Pokémon memories from Christmas 1999, a time full of excitement for both her and her brother as they received their Game Boy games.
  2. During this festive season, Pokémon created a sense of connection and joy among kids in the late 90s, sparking fun conversations and friendly competition on the playground.
  3. Rachael's experience highlights how video games allowed for bonding moments with family, making memories that stood out even as childhood transitioned into adulthood.

Lincoln Green

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📚 Literature Memoir Books History Childhood
  1. The author reflects on their childhood in Lincolnshire in the 1950s, sharing memories of the county's unique features and their experiences growing up there.
  2. Growing up as one of the few Jewish families in Lincoln, the author reminisces about the challenges and adventures of maintaining their religious customs in a predominantly non-Jewish community.
  3. Despite the passage of time, revisiting one's childhood home can evoke a mix of nostalgia and reality, with familiar places often transformed or lost.

Introducing The Breadcrumbs Project

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Personal essays Writing Community Childhood
  1. Nostalgia is powerful, and many people feel a strong pull to revisit their childhood homes and memories. It's important to acknowledge how these experiences have shaped who we are today.
  2. The 'I Am From' poem is a great tool to explore and express our backgrounds and stories. Writing about our past can reveal how childhood experiences influence our adult lives.
  3. The Breadcrumbs Project invites people to share personal essays about their experiences with 'going home.' It's a way to connect over shared memories and celebrate our unique journeys.

What the “Casual Cruelty” of Dr. Paul Offit Reveals

Injecting Freedom • 137 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Childhood Clinical Trials Safety Informed consent
  1. Dr. Paul Offit's article raises concerns about vaccine clinical trials and the lack of placebo controls.
  2. There is a debate about the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccines and the importance of proper clinical trials.
  3. The ethical considerations of vaccine trials and the need for valid safety profiles are highlighted.

Remembering the Palisades

Natural Selections • 12 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Nostalgia Childhood Urban Development
  1. The Palisades was a vibrant neighborhood with places like Mort's Deli and The Hot Dog Show, creating a sense of community and fond memories.
  2. Significant changes, including fires, have destroyed many landmarks in the Palisades, leaving a lasting impact on the residents and the area's character.
  3. The aftermath of such disasters raises questions about housing and recovery for people who have lost their homes in an already expensive city.