Being a Child in America

Every generation believes that that the one that follows will have an easier time. But in America, childhood has never been all fun and games and its history has shifted dramatically.

In the revealing new book "Huck's Raft: A History of American Childhood" historian Steven Mintz looks at how childhood and child-rearing practices in America have evolved over the past centuries. Mintz points out that the perception of children has transformed from the sinful creatures that Puritans saw them as to the 20th century's perception of them as brave young souls heading to war.

Hear a conversation with Steven Mintz on the impact of changing cultural norms and life's harsh realities on how children are raised in America.

Guests:

Steven Mintz, author of "Huck's Raft: A History of American Childhood" and professor of history at The University of Houston.