A Teenage Journey in the 1960s: Chris's Story

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A Teenage Journey in the 1960s

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will understand what it was like to grow up as a teenager in the 1960s through the personal story of Chris, your grandmother.

Meet Chris: Your Grandmother

Chris was born in 1954 and is nearly 71. She spent part of her childhood in Germany before moving to rural Belgium near an army base.

Childhood and Play

As a child, Chris played outside with other children, enjoying simple games like football and 'cowboys and Indians'. There were few structured activities nearby.

Family and Daily Life

Chris grew up in a small family: her parents and a younger brother. Her mother made clothes and tended the garden, while her father worked and sometimes travelled for his job. She didn't get along very well with her brother, because he was a litlle aggressif and younger.

Hobbies

Chris sang in a choir. She played volleyball and joined summer camps as she got older.

She

Holidays and Travelling

Travelling was not common. Chris’s family borrowed a tent and went to Italy, which was considered special.

She remembers trips to Italy and Norway fondly, highlighting the adventurous spirit of her family.

Memorable Journeys

Travel in the 1960s

School Life and Language Passion

Chris liked languages and excelled in them, learning Dutch, French, English and German. Later, she expanded to many more languages.

Teenage Life: Then and Now

Chris’s time lacked TVs, mobile phones, and the internet. Activities and social contact were more limited.

Teenagers then and now both wanted more independence and clashed with parents over music and freedom.

Differences

Similarities