The way we parent has drastically evolved over the years. Practices that were common in the mid-20th century are now either obsolete or deemed unsafe by today’s standards. Here are 18 things parents did in the 50s and 60s that they could never do today.
Lighting up Around Children
Back in the day, Lighting up around children, even in enclosed spaces like cars, was common. Now, we know the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, and it is heavily discouraged.
Leaving Kids Alone in Cars
Parents in the past often left children alone in cars while running errands. Today, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is not only unsafe, but it is also illegal in many jurisdictions due to the risks of heatstroke and abduction.
No Car Seats
In the 50s and 60s, car seats for children were non-existent. However, car safety has since evolved, and child car seats are not just the norm but required by law.
Not Using Sunscreen
Before the risks of sun damage and skin cancer were well known, children played outside without sunscreen. Nowadays, protecting children’s skin from harmful UV rays is a top priority.
Letting Babies Sleep on Their Stomachs
Parents used to put babies to sleep on their stomachs. Today, we know this increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and the recommended position is on their backs.
Driving While Holding a Baby
It’s shocking to think of now, but parents used to drive with babies in their arms. We now know this is incredibly dangerous, and babies must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
Lack of Bicycle Helmets
In the 50s and 60s, kids often rode bikes without helmets. Today, helmets are mandatory in many places due to the risk of head injuries.
Children Freely Roaming Neighborhoods
Children were allowed to explore their neighborhoods with minimal supervision. Today, concerns over safety have made this a less common practice.
Sharing One Family Landline
Before the ubiquity of cell phones, families shared one landline. Now, even children have personal cell phones for safety and communication purposes.
No Seat Belts
Cars did not always come equipped with seat belts, or they were often ignored. Today, it’s law in most places for everyone in a vehicle to buckle up.
Regular Physical Discipline
Physical discipline was a widely accepted form of punishment. Nowadays, it’s seen as harmful and ineffective, with many preferring alternative disciplinary strategies.
Unsupervised Playdates
Playdates in the 50s and 60s were often unsupervised. Now, it’s common for a parent or guardian to remain present.
Looser Standards on Media Consumption
Parents used to be less strict about what children watched on TV. Today, with so much content readily available, parents are more cautious about their children’s media consumption.
Lack of Allergy Awareness
Allergies, particularly food allergies, were not as widely recognized. Now, there is heightened awareness, with schools and parents often taking precautions to protect allergic children.
Asbestos and Lead Paint
Homes in the 50s and 60s were often built with materials we now know are hazardous, such as asbestos and lead paint. These materials are now banned or heavily regulated.
Unrestricted Internet Access
The internet didn’t exist in the 50s and 60s, but today, parents need to supervise and limit their children’s online activities for safety reasons.
Permissive Attitudes Toward Smoking and Drinking
Teens smoking or drinking wasn’t taken as seriously. Today, laws and social attitudes towards underage smoking and drinking are far more stringent.
Unsafe Toys
Toys in the 50s and 60s weren’t subject to the rigorous safety standards they are today. Lead-based paints and small parts pose choking hazards that are strictly regulated in children’s toys.
Looking back, it’s clear how far we’ve come in terms of safety and well-being for children. It’s important to recognize how the societal norms and scientific understanding of the time influenced these parenting practices. While some of these outdated methods may evoke nostalgia, it’s safe to say that advancements in safety regulations and a better understanding of children’s needs are changes for the better.
16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY
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16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY
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AUTOMOTIVE MONSTROSITIES: THE 10 CARS THAT PROVOKE BOOMER WRATH UNLIKE ANY OTHER
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IT’S TIME TO LET GO: 30 OUTDATED BOOMER HOME TRENDS THAT DESPERATELY NEED TO BE SHOWN THE EXIT!
BOOMERS FED UP: THE NEVER-ENDING SAGA OF MILLENNIAL BLAME FOR FINANCIAL FAILURES – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Millennials look at their current economic situation with despair. The feeling amongst them is that the boomers are the cause of their woes. Boomers are considered to be a group of individuals who are self-serving, greedy, and short-sighted. But is this the case?
BOOMERS FED UP: THE NEVER-ENDING SAGA OF MILLENNIAL BLAME FOR FINANCIAL FAILURES – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!