Have you discussed this subject with your now, presumably adult, kids? Most interesting listening to my son’s thoughts!
Interesting idea, my children have never commented either way, I’ll try to remember to ask them.
Back then, (my children were born in ’81 and ’83), I think the difference was that most people didn’t have kids unless they thought they could manage on one income, which generally meant having a house you could afford, no foreign holidays, one car only for the working partner, oh, and no luxury mountain bikes!
I accept that society has changed, and mothers want/will go out to work, but I don’t think one should expect someone else to pay for your childcare.