Introduction
Kids are naturally curious about how the world used to work—and technology is often where that curiosity sparks the most excitement. From rotary phones and cassette tapes to smartphones and streaming wars, “then vs now” tech stories give children a fun, meaningful way to explore change across generations.
In Yakima, families looking for a free, family-friendly Mother’s Day event often ask: What is Pages & Petals? Who is it for? And what actually happens if we attend? Pages & Petals is a community-centered Mother’s Day Bazaar held at Peach Tree Retirement Center in Yakima, Washington, on Saturday, May 10, 2026, designed for families, seniors, and children to gather, shop, and celebrate intergenerational storytelling.
One of the most loved features of the day is the Pages & Petals Youth Writing Adventure, where kids in grades K–9 explore the theme “Then vs Now.” Technology stories are especially popular because they invite humor, discovery, and real conversations between kids and seniors—often leading to laughter, surprise, and connection.
This article explores why kids love writing “then vs now” tech stories, what topics work best, and how these stories become meaningful moments—not just assignments.
What Are “Then vs Now” Tech Stories?
“Then vs now” tech stories are short, handwritten reflections where children compare how technology worked in the past with how it works today. These stories often include:
- How people communicated
- How music, TV, or games were used
- What devices existed—or didn’t
- How daily life felt without modern tools
For kids, it’s a chance to explain their world. For seniors, it’s a moment to see how far technology has come—and to share what life was like before screens ruled everything.
Why Technology Is the Most Popular “Then vs Now” Topic
Technology stories work so well because they are concrete, visual, and often surprising. Kids love discovering that:
- Phones used to have cords—and no screens
- TVs didn’t let you choose what to watch
- Music required patience, rewinding, or flipping tapes
- Photos didn’t appear instantly
These contrasts naturally turn into stories that are funny, thoughtful, and easy to explain in a child’s own words.
Favorite Tech Topics Kids Love Writing About
Here are some of the most common and successful “then vs now” tech story ideas:
Rotary Phones vs Smartphones
Kids love imagining a phone that stays in one place and spins instead of swipes.
TV Schedules vs Streaming Wars
Stories comparing “one show at a time” to endless choices, ads, and arguments over what to watch.
Letters & Mail vs Texting
Explaining stamps, handwriting, waiting—and how mail feels different from instant messages.
Music Players: Records to Playlists
From vinyl and cassette tapes to playlists and algorithms.
Video Games: Outside First vs Screens First
Comparing imagination-based play to digital entertainment.
These topics work because they encourage kids to ask questions, listen, and reflect—core goals of the Pages & Petals Adventure.
Who These Stories Are For
The Pages & Petals Youth Writing Adventure is open to:
- Children in Kindergarten–9th grade
- Public, private, faith-based, and homeschool students
- Families across the Yakima Valley, including Ellensburg and Sunnyside
Participation is based on age—not school type—and stories may be written in English, Spanish, or bilingual formats.
What Happens When You Attend Pages & Petals
Families attending the Pages & Petals Mother’s Day Bazaar can expect:
- Local shopping and handmade gifts
- A calm, walkable outdoor setting
- Intergenerational connection with senior residents
- A 2:00 PM Writers Celebration honoring youth participants
- A warm, welcoming Mother’s Day experience
If your child participates in the writing adventure, they are celebrated—not judged—and every effort is honored.
Why Pages & Petals Feels Different from Typical Mother’s Day Events
Most Mother’s Day markets are busy, crowded, and transactional. Pages & Petals is intentionally different.
- Calm instead of chaotic
- Story-centered instead of sales-only
- Intergenerational instead of age-segmented
- Reflective instead of rushed
Hosted at Peach Tree Retirement Center, an independent senior living community that serves as a neighborhood gathering place, Pages & Petals focuses on connection, creativity, and dignity across generations.
Practical Tips for Helping Kids Write “Then vs Now” Tech Stories
Simple Steps That Work
- Ask a senior one tech question
- Let the child explain today’s version
- Compare feelings, not just devices
- Add drawings or humor
- Keep the child’s voice intact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rewriting the child’s words
- Over-editing spelling or grammar
- Turning it into a research report
Creativity and effort matter more than perfection.
The Pages & Petals Adaptive Authority Framework
A practical framework we use when approaching intergenerational storytelling:
- Local Intent Clarity – Rooted in real Yakima families
- Intergenerational Design – Kids and seniors learn together
- Calm Environment – Safe, walkable, welcoming space
- Meaningful Participation – Every child is acknowledged
- Community Reinforcement – Stories strengthen local bonds
This framework ensures stories feel human—not performative.
FAQs
Is Pages & Petals free to attend?
Yes. The Pages & Petals Mother’s Day Bazaar is free and open to the public.
Do kids have to be “good writers” to participate?
No. Effort, creativity, and authenticity matter more than grammar or spelling.
Can my child write about technology only?
No. Technology is one option. Kids may choose from multiple “then vs now” categories.
Is this event senior-friendly?
Yes. The event is held at Peach Tree Retirement Center and is designed to be walkable, calm, and accessible.
Do parents need to sign up online?
Yes. A parent or guardian must complete the required online registration before submitting a story.
Can stories be submitted in Spanish?
Yes. Spanish and bilingual submissions are welcome.
Conclusion
“Then vs now” tech stories work because they turn curiosity into connection. When kids explain streaming wars to someone who remembers rotary phones, something meaningful happens—laughter, understanding, and respect flow both ways.
Pages & Petals offers families a rare opportunity to slow down, listen, and celebrate both where we came from and where we are now. Hosted at Peach Tree Retirement Center, this Mother’s Day gathering is about more than shopping—it’s about stories that last.
If you’re looking for a calm, meaningful, family-friendly Mother’s Day event in Yakima—one that honors moms, seniors, and young voices—the Pages & Petals Mother’s Day Bazaar at Peach Tree Retirement Center is a beautiful place to gather.