Many parenting practices from the 20th century are now considered abusive or neglectful by today’s standards. As our understanding of healthy child development has progressed, we have reevaluated our child-rearing methods. Let’s revisit the old-school treatment of children that society now condemns.
Outdoor Play Without Supervision
In the ‘60s and ‘70s, children often roamed their neighborhoods without adult supervision. This allowed them the freedom to explore, create imaginary worlds, and learn to resolve conflicts on their own. Today, such unsupervised freedom might seem risky to many parents.
No Seat Belts or Car Seats
During car rides in the ‘60s, seat belts and child car seats were rarely used, if at all. Children would freely move around in the vehicle, often standing on the seats to look out the windows. This practice would be unthinkable now due to strict safety regulations.
Smoking Around Children
It was common for adults to smoke cigarettes indoors and around children during the ‘70s. Ashtrays filled with cigarette butts were a normal sight in many households. Nowadays, awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke has made this practice highly discouraged.
Less Screen Time
Kids used to spend far less time in front of screens. They engaged more with the physical world, which encouraged active play and interpersonal interactions. In contrast, today’s kids might find the idea of limited screen time quite shocking.
Drinking Soda at a Young Age
In the ‘80s, it was not uncommon for young children to regularly consume soda. These sugary beverages were often seen as harmless treats. Modern health advice strongly warns against the frequent consumption of soda by young children.
Freedom to Use Tools
Children were often taught to use tools at a young age and would help fix things around the house or even work on small construction projects. This level of trust in children’s capabilities is less common today.
Strict Discipline
Disciplinary practices in the past often involved stricter and harsher measures, including corporal punishment. Parents believed this would teach respect and obedience. Many modern parenting philosophies lean towards more understanding and communicative strategies.
Manual Labor and Chores
Kids were expected to take on significant chores and even manual labor, especially in family businesses or farms. This was seen as part of their contribution to the family and personal development.
Playing With Dangerous Toys
Toys in earlier decades often did not meet the safety standards we have today. Sharp edges, small parts, and toxic materials were not uncommon. Parents now would be horrified at the thought of their children playing with such hazardous items.
Walking to School Alone
Many children walk to school alone or with their peers without any adult supervision. This fostered independence and self-reliance from an early age. Today, concerns about safety have led to more parents driving their kids to school.
Eating Whatever Was Served
Picky eaters had fewer options in the past; children were expected to eat whatever was prepared. This meant finishing everything on the plate, often without complaints. Nowadays, there’s much more attention to dietary preferences and allergies.
Limited Parental Involvement
Parents were often less involved in the details of their children’s lives, which meant kids had to manage their own schedules and solve their own problems. This independence contrasts with the more hands-on approach seen in modern parenting.
Learning Through Experience
Children used to learn through doing rather than being told. Mistakes were seen as part of the learning process. Today’s emphasis on safety and structured learning environments might make such experiences rare.
Fewer Organized Activities
Children had fewer organized activities and structured playdates. Their play was self-organized and more spontaneous, which encouraged creativity and adaptability. Today’s children experience rigid schedules can often be tightly packed with structured activities.
Cycling Without Helmets
Bicycling without helmets was normal, as bike safety laws were much more lenient or non-existent. This carefree approach is starkly different from today’s safety-conscious practices.
Using Encyclopedias for Homework
Before the internet, students relied on encyclopedias and physical books for research and homework. This often meant more time-consuming and less comprehensive access to information. The vast resources available online today would astound students from the past.
Drinking Tap Water Everywhere
Drinking from any tap without concern about water quality was normal, as water safety standards were different or less enforced. Today, the use of filters and bottled water is much more common due to health concerns.
Handwritten Letters and Diaries
Communication often involved writing letters by hand and keeping physical diaries. The personal touch of handwritten communication has largely been replaced by texts and emails.
Casual Bike Rides
Children often took bike rides without a set destination, exploring their communities freely. These excursions were opportunities for adventure and personal growth. Such unsupervised explorations are much less frequent today due to safety concerns.
Television as a Treat
Watching television was often a treat with families gathering around to watch a few select shows together. This limited exposure to TV made it a special event. Contrastingly, access to endless streaming options today makes TV more of a constant presence.
Simple Birthday Parties
Birthday parties were typically simple affairs with homemade cake and games like pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. They were less about extravagance and more about enjoying the company of close friends and family, in contrast with today’s often elaborate and themed parties.
