Letter: Modern families in New Forest facing tough challenges

Families today have completely different problems from those just after the war (A&T Letters 26th Sep ‘Irrisponsible family living’).

Many women did not go out to work, and families could live on the husband’s wage. Very few people aspired to owning their own home, rented accommodation was secure and affordable.

Food was basic, fish and chips was the only takeaway. Our family kept chickens and grew a few veggies. School uniforms did not exist unless you went to grammar school. Daily transport was usually a bicycle.

The whole culture has changed. Now both parents work, usually to pay for the roof over their heads. The amount we pay out in transportation, licences for everything from cars to TVs would seem unbelievable in the past.

People often don’t have time to cook so ready meals and takeaways are the normal. Make and mend is not really encouraged. Without constant spending the basis of consumer society could not exist.

I respect the families managing to cope now, especially those with one parent, they deserve all the help they can get.

Jasmine Richards

New Milton