21 Wild Behaviors Kids Used To Get Away With That Would Horrify Parents Today

From hitchhiking to unsupervised adventures, the baby boomer generation experienced a childhood vastly different from today’s youth. Take a peek into the norms of the past that shaped a generation but would raise eyebrows and calls to CPS today.

Hitchhiking Adventures

In the era of boomers, thumbing a ride was a common sight. Youngsters would stand by the roadside, waiting for a kind stranger to offer a lift. This practice was a testament to the trust in community and adventure spirit. Today, the thought of hitchhiking brings concerns for safety and security, making it a rare sight.

Unsupervised Playtime

Boomer children often roamed neighborhoods and forests unsupervised until the streetlights came on. This freedom fostered independence and creativity, as they invented games and explored without adult oversight. In contrast, today’s parents are much more vigilant, often scheduling playdates and supervising outdoor activities closely.

Seatbelt-Free Journeys

Car rides were less about safety and more about fitting as many kids as possible into the backseat. Seatbelts were rarely used, if at all, making for a bumpy but thrilling ride. Modern vehicles, with their strict seatbelt laws and safety features, would make such practices unthinkable now.

Smoking in Public Spaces

It was not uncommon to see teenagers lighting up cigarettes in diners or even at school. Smoking was a rite of passage, with less known about its health risks. Today, the awareness of smoking hazards and strict regulations have nearly extinguished this trend among the young.

Door-to-Door Sales Kids

Many boomer kids took up the task of selling goods door to door, be it cookies, magazines, or fundraising items. This endeavor taught them about entrepreneurship and social skills. Now, concerns over safety and privacy make this once-common practice a rarity.

Manual Labor for Pocket Money

From mowing lawns to delivering newspapers, boomer kids were no strangers to hard work. These jobs instilled a sense of responsibility and the value of earning. Today, child labor laws have transformed the way young ones earn their pocket money.

DIY Fireworks Shows

Homemade fireworks were a highlight of many a boomer’s childhood, especially on the Fourth of July. Despite the dangers, it was a thrilling endeavor that brought communities together. Now, strict regulations and safety concerns have dampened this explosive tradition.

Less Supervised School Experiments

Science classes often involved experiments with few safety precautions, where the thrill of discovery outweighed the risks. This hands-on approach made learning exciting but could be deemed too risky by today’s standards.

Free-Range Parenting

Boomer kids often had the freedom to make their own plans and get themselves there, be it biking to a friend’s house or a trip to the pool. This independence is less common today, with many parents preferring to chauffeur their children to ensure their safety.

Library Card Catalogs

Before the internet, boomers learned to navigate the complex system of library card catalogs. This search process was time-consuming but rewarding. Today, digital databases have simplified this process, making physical catalogs a quaint memory.

Collect Calls to Parents

If a boomer kid needed to reach their parents without change for a payphone, they’d make a collect call. This workaround was common but would be unnecessary now since everyone owns a cell phone.

Encyclopedias

For homework or curiosity, boomer kids turned to the family encyclopedia set. These books were a gateway to knowledge, albeit limited in scope. The internet has since replaced these bulky tomes.

Recording Songs off the Radio

Boomers would wait by their radios with a cassette recorder, eager to capture their favorite songs. This ritual required patience and timing but was a cherished part of music fandom. Streaming services have made this practice obsolete.

Physically Changing TV Channels

Before remote controls, kids were often the designated channel changers. This task, though simple, was an integral part of family TV viewing. Modern technology has made this a thing of the past.

Playing in Construction Sites

Boomer kids saw construction sites as playgrounds, climbing on structures and playing among the materials. These unsanctioned adventures were risky but exhilarating. Today, such activities would be quickly halted due to strict safety regulations.

Using Payphones as a Lifeline

Payphones were the primary means for kids to contact their parents when out and about. Memorizing phone numbers was essential, as was having a spare dime. The widespread use of mobile phones has rendered payphones nearly extinct.

Riding Bikes Without Helmets

Helmets were rarely seen on kids riding bikes in boomer times. The wind in their hair was part of the joy of cycling. Today, helmet laws and safety awareness have made this practice frowned upon.

Drinking from the Hose

On hot summer days, boomers quenched their thirst straight from the garden hose. This simple pleasure, though perhaps unhygienic, is a fond memory for many. Nowadays, concerns about water safety and cleanliness have made this less common.

Taking the Family Car for a Spin

It wasn’t unusual for boomer teens to take the family car out for a joyride, sometimes without permission. This rite of passage was thrilling but fraught with risk. Modern car security systems and stricter parenting styles have curbed this practice.

Building Treehouses in Public Lands

Boomer kids often built makeshift treehouses in nearby woods or public lands. These structures were a testament to their ingenuity and desire for a private retreat. Today, such constructions would likely be dismantled due to environmental regulations.

Watching Drive-In Movies

Drive-in movies offered a unique blend of cinema and social gatherings. Families and friends would pile into a car for a double feature under the stars. While some drive-ins still exist, the rise of streaming and home entertainment systems has made this experience less common.