Parents had their own ways of raising kids in the ’50s and ’60s, and many of these methods were pretty standard back then but wouldn’t fly today. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see what has changed in parenting. These are 18 old-school parenting things that just aren’t okay anymore.
Letting Kids Ride Without Seatbelts
Back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, car rides were less strict, and wearing seatbelts wasn’t a big deal. Flux Posure points out that it was not compulsory for car manufacturers to install seat belts until 1965, so kids would jump around in the backseat, but today, that’s a huge no-no.
Smoking Around Kids
Parents used to smoke cigarettes everywhere, in the car or at home, with kids around, but now, we know better. Secondhand smoke or passive smoking is harmful, especially to kids’ lungs. These days, smoking around children is frowned upon because it’s important to keep the air they breathe clean.
Letting Kids Go Off Alone
In the past, it was normal for kids to leave the house on their own and return later at dinner. Now, letting young kids roam free without supervision isn’t common anymore. Keeping an eye on where the kids are and who they’re with helps keep them safe.
Using Harsh Discipline
Parents used to be much stricter. If kids stepped out of line, harsh punishments, such as being hit with a belt, were common. Today, we know that understanding and patience work better than tough love. Teaching kids right from wrong doesn’t have to be harsh and abusive.
Not Using Sunscreen
Back then, a sunburn was just part of summer. Country Living states that suncream was used to help your skin tan, not protect it from the sun’s rays. We now know the sun can be dangerous and cause skin cancer, so protecting skin from harmful rays is a must.
Encouraging Kids to Drink Soda Regularly
Parents often let kids have soda as a regular part of their diet. However, today, we know too much soda isn’t good for anyone, especially kids. It’s full of sugar and lacks nutrients. Giving kids water, milk, or juice instead helps them and their teeth stay healthy and strong.
Having Fewer Conversations About Feelings
In the ‘50s and ’60s, talking about feelings wasn’t a big thing, and as a rule, parents didn’t ask kids how they felt. Nowadays, it’s important to talk and listen to kids about their feelings because we now realize it helps them grow up healthy and strong emotionally.
Giving Kids Aspirin
Years ago, giving kids aspirin for a fever or pain was normal. Now, because of advanced medical knowledge, we avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of problems like Reye’s syndrome. Penn Today states that aspirin was responsible for hundreds of children’s deaths in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Feeding Kids Processed Foods
In the ’50s and ’60s, TV dinners and processed foods were the latest trends. Today, we try to give kids more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, as we know many of the benefits linked to this type of diet. Eating healthy helps kids grow and learn better.
Letting Young Children Handle Money
Parents often sent young kids to the store with money to buy groceries or run errands. This isn’t common anymore because it’s important to ensure kids’ safety. Now, we usually go with them or wait until they’re older to handle money on their own. It teaches responsibility in a safer way.
Not Wearing Helmets
Overade says that in the ‘50s, the road traffic was nowhere near as heavy as it is today. Kids often rode bikes without helmets, but due to increased knowledge around the subject, safety first means always wearing a helmet when riding bikes, skateboards, or scooters. Helmets protect kids’ heads and are a must to keep them safe.
Exposing Kids to Harmful Advertisements
Children back then were exposed to ads for alcohol and cigarettes during TV shows they watched. Now, we protect kids from advertisements around these subject matters to ensure they aren’t influenced by unhealthy messages. It’s all about keeping their environment positive and healthy.
Allowing Kids to Play Unsupervised in Risky Areas
It was normal to let kids play alone on railway lines, construction sites, or abandoned buildings. Now, we make sure play areas are safe and secure because knowing where kids are playing and that the area is safe helps prevent accidents and injuries.
Using Baby Walkers
Baby walkers were popular for helping babies learn to walk sooner. Now, they are discouraged because they can lead to accidents, and research has shown that they don’t actually help babies learn to walk properly. What’s important is encouraging safe, natural development.
Not Limiting Screen Time
When TVs became popular, limiting screen time wasn’t a concern. Today, increased knowledge about how children’s brains develop has led to managing how much time kids spend watching TV or playing video games. This helps them have a balanced life with different activities like playing outside or reading books.
Giving Kids Cough Syrup to Sleep
Parents used to give kids cough syrup to help them sleep, even if they weren’t sick. This is unsafe and not recommended now. Good sleep habits don’t rely on medicine. Keeping bedtime calm and consistent is the best way to help kids sleep well.
Lacking Diversity in Children’s Books and Media
Media and books for kids used to lack diversity. Today, exposing kids to diverse characters and stories helps them understand and appreciate different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives and encourages them to be more tolerant; it’s all about inclusivity and learning.
Ignoring Environmental Concerns
In the past, there wasn’t much talk about the impact of our actions on the environment. Now, teaching kids to be eco-friendly by recycling, conserving water, and understanding their impact on the planet is part of good parenting. It’s about caring for our world together.
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