that was also a factor for sure. I am not laying all on a dopy sitcom.

But you are right as grown children moved far away, and got married and had kids, they didnt have the structure of parents who can guide them with advice through hard times in the relationship. Kids didnt have grandparents to babysit....instead had 17 year old goth girl. Even more opportunity for kids removed from a extended family structure to lose themselves into video games and TV. No family barbecues with cousins their age to play with. No grandmas birthday. Alot less things to do....more time for themselves. Not even time with their own parents.......enter "quality time"...the grand excuse I heard the first time in the early 80s i think......where "quality time" was the ticket to feeling less guilt for not being with your kids.