THE WHOLE MEGILLAH
Here is a social-history essay. Its not that children had more freedom in the past, but that the old system relied on participating families, making it difficult to revive once it changed. This observation gives explanatory power beyond simple nostalgia.
NOTE: While using this expression, the standard spelling is “the whole megillah”, meaning “the whole story” or “the whole thing.” It fits the nostalgic tone well.