8 Parenting Practices from the 1950s and 1960s That Would be Unacceptable Today

As parents in the 1950s and 1960s, we had a different approach to parenting than what is considered acceptable today. While we loved and cared for our children deeply, we also allowed them a lot more freedom and independence than what is common now. Here are some of the things we remember letting our kids do as they grew up:

Playing in the streets until dark:

Back in our day, it was not uncommon for kids to spend hours outside playing with the neighborhood kids. Whether it was a game of baseball or hide and seek, our kids always had a blast and were able to exercise their imagination and creativity. We only asked that they come home before the streetlights came on.

Sending them to the store with a note:

While it may seem risky today, we often sent our kids to the corner store with a note from us, asking them to pick up a few items for us. This allowed them to gain some independence and responsibility at a young age, and they loved the feeling of being able to help out and contribute to the household.

Giving them the garden hose unattended:

We grew up drinking from the hose and loved running through the sprinklers or filling up water balloons. While concerns about water quality are much more prevalent today, back in our day it was not uncommon for kids to drink straight from the hose.

Correcting other people’s children:

While it is not appropriate to discipline someone else’s child today, back in our day it was not uncommon for parents to correct the behavior of other kids if they were being rude or disrespectful. We believed that having manners and respect for elders was important, and we wanted to instill these values in our own children as well as in the children of our community.

Teaching them how to use the stove and oven:

We believe that it is important for kids to learn basic life skills, and one of those skills is being able to cook for themselves. We enjoyed spending quality time with our kids in the kitchen, teaching them how to use the stove and oven and other appliances. This allowed them to become more self-sufficient and empowered them to take care of themselves as they grew older.

Letting them ride in the back of the car without seat belts:

While it is required by law to use seat belts today, back in our day it was not uncommon for kids to ride in the back of the car without them. We have fond memories of road trips with our kids in the back of the station wagon, even if it meant they were able to slide around a bit during sharp turns.

Sending them to school with baked goods:

While food allergies are much more prevalent today, back in our day we didn’t worry as much about them. We often sent our kids to school with baked goods for birthdays or bake sales, and their classmates loved them.

Spinning them really fast on the merry-go-round:

Playgrounds were a big part of our childhood, and we loved being spun around on the merry-go-round by our parents. The slight dizziness afterwards was all part of the fun.

While parenting practices have certainly changed over the years, we have fond memories of the carefree childhood our kids were able to have. We loved and cared for them deeply, and we believe that the freedom and independence we allowed them helped shape them into the responsible adults they are today.

Mental Scoop

8 Parenting Practices from the 1950s and 1960s That Would be Unacceptable Today