I agree with rayxi. It was just as difficult then, as it is now. In fact, many of the issues that we openly speak of as being faced by today's adolescents were swept under the carpet by the parents of prior generations. Issues involving alcoholism and drugs within the family were not discussed. Rehab was not a solution, largely because rehab for teens did not exist at the time. If you were gay, you stayed in the closet behind a padlocked door. And not only was interracial dating unacceptable, you would be lucky if you were able to date outside of your parent's nationality without getting flak and poor you if you were the "wrong" race.

The rules of raising children are simple. Love your children, educate your children, and teach them that the "horizon is as distant as the mind's eye wishes it to be."