We had no computer games, no computers, no cable TV. But there were vacant lots and creeks. There I learned lessons about hydrology that put in good stead when I went to college. We had yards that weren't hyper-manicured and hopped up on pesticides. We were allowed to dig holes in them. I learned a lot about soils and compost. We had gardens and learned bout the miracle of seeds. We had bugs and crayfish. We caught turtles and did't get salmonella. We caught snakes and lizards and toads. We caught fish and learned to throw back the small ones. We were allowed to grow up innocent.
I feel so sorry for kids today