Throughout American history (world history, actually), children were not worshipped as the little joys of the family. They were ignored, abused, and they had to work. It was only since the early 20th century, and mostly after WWII, that we put children on pedestals.

Yeah, women went to work. That is what they wanted. That doesn't leave as much time to devote to the exalted little angels. That is change, it is the way of the world.