I grew up as a baby boomer in the 50's and 60's in a small town in Southern California.  If you have ever watched "Leave it to Beaver" or "Father Knows Best" on late night TV reruns, you will know what my family life was like.  I had a reasonably happy childhood with strict parents, a brother (Mark) who is 2 years older than I, and an annoying baby sister (Kathy) who is 8 years younger (surprise babies were far more common in those days!)  LOL.

My parents were very happily married which set a great example for all of us.  They had us believe that they were united in everything (as an adult I now know that could not really have been possible, but I never saw any strife between them, no disagreements, no raised voices between them and no obvious arguments).  I know, I know...it's impossible to believe but that was the norm for our home.  

Of course we were kids and oblivious to lots of things.  We also were sheltered from quite a bit.  The times were so different then.  I remember when I was 8, both my brother and I were not allowed to watch "Gunsmoke" (the old Western TV series, then on at Sunday night at 9 PM).  It was deemed far too adult and violent for us.  I know that seems hilarious today, but it was the norm then.  By being denied that particular show, we did not grow up watching people shoot each other nor punch each other (or their parents), and of course, the "shocking" hint of a relationship with Matt and Kitty would have been completely over our heads.

I admit; we were sheltered.  But it was a good thing- we grew up to become peaceful and respectful adults who to this day would not dream of claiming someone "disrespected" us.  We were too focused on giving respect to our elders, as demanded by our parents.