20 Parenting Practices From The ’50s And ’60s That Would Shock Parents Today
Hop into a time machine and rewind to the ‘50s and ‘60s, when parenting was less about helicopter supervision and more about survival of the fittest!
This was an era when smoking indoors was just part of the décor, seat belts were optional (or nonexistent), and kids roamed the neighborhood like free-range chickens until the streetlights flickered on. Parents had a no-nonsense approach—discipline was swift, sugar was a food group, and “just walk it off” was the cure for most injuries.
While some of these parenting practices might make modern moms and dads clutch their organic, BPA-free water bottles in horror, others will bring a nostalgic chuckle.
From lead-painted cribs to backyard daredevil stunts, here’s a hilarious and eyebrow-raising look at 20 child-rearing customs that would never fly today—but somehow, plenty of kids survived! Buckle up (if you even had a seat belt), and let’s dive in!
1. Smoking While Pregnant
Doctors literally used to say, “It helps with stress!” Imagine lighting up a cigarette at an OB-GYN appointment today—Child Protective Services would be at your door before you finished your first puff.
In the ’60s, it wasn’t uncommon to see expectant mothers with a cigarette in hand, and no one batted an eyelash. This practice has thankfully gone up in smoke, replaced by modern health advisories.
Can you picture explaining this to your child today? “Yes, dear, you were marinated in nicotine.” It’s a wonder how some of us turned out just fine!
2. No Car Seats, Just Vibes
Forget rear-facing, five-point harnesses. Babies used to just roll around in the backseat like luggage.
If you were fancy, you got a flimsy plastic seat with zero restraints that would yeet you across the car in a fender bender. Safety standards were as loose as the kids themselves.
Imagine today’s children facing traffic unsecured! It’s a miracle any of us made it to adulthood, but somehow, most of us did. Now, car seats are a non-negotiable, and rightfully so. Here’s to seatbelts and sanity!
3. Letting Kids Ride in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Ah yes, the budget rollercoaster. Nothing said “freedom” like flying down the highway at 60 mph with a bunch of kids loose in the truck bed.
Wind in their hair, danger in the air—this was childhood thrill at its finest. Parents saw it as a rite of passage, not a potential hazard. Today’s parents would clutch their pearls at the thought!
Now, laws and logic keep kids inside the vehicle, but back then, it was just another day in paradise. Who needs amusement parks when you have a truck bed?
4. Spanking With Whatever Was Closest
Parents back then didn’t just use their hands—they used wooden spoons, belts, shoes, and the dreaded switch (which they made you go pick out yourself).
Discipline came in all shapes and sizes, and it was swift. Nowadays, the idea of striking a child with any object would land you in hot water. Back then, it was just another Tuesday.
While discipline remains vital, methods have evolved leaps and bounds away from the nearest fly swatter. Who knew that picking your punishment instrument was character-building?
5. Sending Kids to the Store Alone
Mom needed eggs? You, at seven years old, were handed some cash and sent to the store. No phone, no supervision—just your wits and the hope that you’d return before dinner.
It was an era of trust and independence, where kids earned their stripes through daily errands. Today, this scenario is almost unthinkable, with constant supervision the norm.
While independence is still encouraged, a GPS tracker often accompanies it. It’s fascinating how times have changed, but the desire for adventure remains inherent in children, then and now.
6. Latchkey Kids Were the Norm
Kids would come home from school to an empty house, make themselves a snack, and watch cartoons until their parents got home from work.
Today, this is basically called neglect. The term “latchkey kid” was coined to describe the independence that was a staple of ’50s and ’60s childhood. While freedom was abundant, so was solitude. Modern parents often cringe at the thought, opting for after-school programs or reliable caretakers.
Yet, those latchkey kids grew up resourceful and self-reliant, proving that different strokes work for different folks.
7. Beer for Dad, Soda for the Kids—All in the Car
Driving with an open can of Schlitz? Totally fine. Kids drinking soda in the front seat? Also fine. Seatbelts? Optional.
The ’60s defined casual car culture, where beverages flowed freely, and seatbelts were seen as optional accessories. These days, the mere suggestion of drinking and driving sparks outrage.
The shift in perspective is drastic, as safety takes the wheel. It’s a leap from soda pop rides to today’s strict regulations, but it’s all part of evolving standards. Here’s to safer journeys and fewer spills!
8. Kids Could Play Outside All Day With No Supervision
Parents would kick you out of the house in the morning and say, “Be home when the streetlights come on.” Where were you? Who were you with? No one knew, and no one cared.
It was a time of exploration and imagination, where the world was your playground. Today, such unsupervised freedom seems alien, replaced by structured playdates and parent-monitored activities.
However, the spirit of adventure remains, just with more watchful eyes. It’s a delicate balance between safety and independence, but the fun never really fades.
9. No Helmets, No Pads, No Fear
Riding bikes, skateboarding, or rollerblading? You fell, you bled, you got up. A concussion was just “getting your bell rung.”
Helmets and pads were nearly nonexistent, as kids embraced the thrill of the ride. Today, protective gear is a must, with safety taking precedence over daredevil antics.
The bruises and scrapes of yesteryear have given way to helmets and knee pads, ensuring fewer trips to the ER and more peace of mind for parents. The fearless spirit persists, wrapped in a layer of security, keeping the adventure alive.
10. Feeding Babies Straight-Up Canned Evaporated Milk
Formula? Pfft. Many moms just mixed canned milk with water and called it a day. A little bland? Just add some Karo syrup.
This concoction was the go-to baby meal, long before the convenience of modern formula. Today, nutritional guidelines have transformed infant feeding, prioritizing balanced diets and health-focused choices.
The idea of feeding evaporated milk seems laughable now, but it was the norm back then. Times have changed, but the quest for a healthy start remains timeless, ensuring babies thrive from the get-go.
11. Leaving Babies Outside to “Get Fresh Air”
It was common to leave babies in prams outside for hours, sometimes even in freezing temperatures.
“It’s good for their lungs!” they said. Hypothermia? Never heard of her. The belief in fresh air was strong, and mothers swore by its benefits. Today, such a practice would raise eyebrows and alarms alike. Modern parents keep a close watch, with baby monitors and indoor comforts.
Though fresh air remains essential, the approach has become more cautious. It’s an evolution in care, blending fresh air with warmth and safety.
12. Giving Kids Coffee
No, not a sip. Full cups. Because apparently, caffeine stunts growth, but malnutrition doesn’t.
The notion of giving children coffee seems absurd now, but back then, it was a common sight at breakfast. Today, health experts would gasp, advocating for milk or juice instead.
The caffeine culture has shifted, yet the love for a warm beverage persists. Children now opt for hot chocolate or juice, leaving the coffee fix to adults. It’s a change that aligns with modern health insights, ensuring kids grow tall and strong.
13. Chain-Smoking in the House
Parents smoked in the living room, in the kitchen, in the nursery—sometimes while holding the baby.
You basically grew up in a nicotine fog. Smoking indoors was as common as having a TV, and few questioned the health implications. Presently, smoking is often an outdoor activity, and the thought of smoking near children is a health taboo.
The air quality has improved, along with awareness of secondhand smoke risks. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the smoky past, and our lungs are all the better for it.
14. Letting Kids Wander Around the Car While Driving
Before seatbelt laws, kids would be crawling over the seats, lying on the back window ledge, or hanging out in the front seat while Dad drove with one hand on the wheel and the other on his beer.
It was a mobile playground, with safety taking a backseat—or no seat at all. Nowadays, every child is securely fastened, and car safety is paramount.
It’s a world of difference from the freewheeling days of yore, and though the fun is tamed, safety has found its seat in the car.
15. Parents Had No Idea Where Their Kids Were—And Didn’t Worry
Today, if your kid doesn’t text you back in two minutes, panic sets in. Back then, kids would disappear for hours, and parents were just like, “Eh, they’ll turn up.”
It was a time of trust and autonomy, where being out of sight didn’t equate to being out of mind. Modern parenting often involves constant communication, replacing the laissez-faire attitude of the past.
The pendulum has swung towards vigilance, yet the spirit of exploration remains. It’s an evolving dance of freedom and safety, both striving for balance.
16. Kids Could Buy Cigarettes for Their Parents
Imagine sending your 10-year-old into the store today with a note that says, “One pack of Marlboros, please.”
But back then, no one batted an eye. It was a task as mundane as buying milk, with trust in abundance. Today, age restrictions and ID checks guard against such exchanges. Though the innocence of running errands persists, the contents have shifted to child-friendly territory.
It’s a change that reflects growing awareness of health and responsibility, making way for safer, smoke-free lifestyles.
17. Breastfeeding? Nope, Just Give ‘Em Formula
Breastfeeding was seen as “low-class,” so many moms were told to use formula instead—often the canned milk mixture mentioned earlier.
The shift from natural feeding was encouraged by societal norms and convenience. Today, breastfeeding is supported and celebrated, with emphasis on its benefits. The pendulum has swung back, aligning with health insights and maternal empowerment.
It’s a nurturing evolution that highlights informed choices, ensuring every baby receives the best start possible. The journey back to breastfeeding reflects a broader understanding of health and wellness.
18. Slapping Kids in Public Was Perfectly Normal
If you threw a tantrum in the store, your mom would slap you right then and there, and no one would say a word. In fact, another mom might high-five her for doing it.
Public discipline was accepted, with little regard for bystanders’ opinions. Today, such actions would draw gasps and possibly a visit from social services.
The landscape of discipline has evolved, shifting from public displays to private conversations. It’s a transformation that values communication over confrontation, fostering understanding and respect. Times may change, but the core of parenting remains guiding children lovingly.
19. Giving Babies Whiskey for Teething
Forget teething rings—parents just rubbed whiskey on a baby’s gums.
Today, this would land you in jail, but back then, it was called “home remedies.” The soothing effects of whiskey were trusted to ease teething woes, despite the obvious risks. Modern parents opt for safer alternatives, turning to gels and rings for relief. It’s a shift towards cautious care, prioritizing safety and comfort.
Though the methods have changed, the aim remains the same—helping babies through their first hurdles with love and care.
20. Leaving Kids in the Car While Running Errands
Mom needed groceries? She left you in the car, windows cracked, and said, “Don’t touch anything.”
Today, you’d be on the evening news. The practice was rooted in trust and convenience, with little thought to potential dangers. Nowadays, child safety laws strictly prohibit leaving kids unattended in vehicles. It’s a change driven by awareness and responsibility, ensuring children are safeguarded at all times.
While the convenience has dwindled, the commitment to child safety has grown, fostering environments where children can thrive securely.