No Supervision and Unsafe Responsibilities – This Is How Kids Grew Up in the 60s

start slideshow

Every generation goes through a different experience. If you would speak to someone from the baby boomer generation, you can easily see the generation gap there – especially when you start comparing childhood stories. You would not believe what kind of childhood they have!

Baby boomers happened to have a lot of freedom and at the same time, they were taught to handle responsibility at such an early age. In fact, how kids behaved in their time would be horrifying for the parents of today. Read on to see all the ridiculous things boomer kids had that would be impossible for kids to do today.

No babyproofing

Once a baby is coming, today’s parents would start babyproofing their house. When their baby is born, the baby will get to enjoy a cushy and safe house. As a result, parents will have less to worry about.

Source: Herald Weekly

Back in the 60s, babyproofing was hardly a thing. If a baby wanted to explore and play with something around the house, they are bound to do it. I guess we could see now why baby boomers are so tough with a get-go attitude.

Unsupervised playtime outdoors

It was not uncommon to see young kids playing outdoors without a grownup in sight during the 60s. Back then, the neighborhoods were still safe and most kids often played in groups where there is an older sibling or older neighbor around.

Source: Herald WeeklyThere were no smartphones or computers to keep kids indoors. Once a kid was allowed to go outside to play, chances are they would all hang out together until dinner time. Today, some parents have to force their kids to be outdoors.

Family talks in private

Back in the 60s, family life was pretty generic and conservative. Deep conversations and sharing of feelings were never to be discussed in public or in the presence of guests. Back then, only the adults would discuss grownup matters and kids can’t say a thing about it.

Source: Herald Weekly

Today, parents are doing all they can to stay connected and engaged with their kids. Sometimes, almost to the point that kids are comfortable talking back to their parents. Maybe we have not found the right balance just yet.

No seatbelt law

Seatbelts were invented and introduced to society in 1959. And the seatbelt law was not implemented until 1985. So, it is no surprise that parents during the 60s were not so big on the seatbelts when they drive around with their kids.

Source: Herald Weekly

While putting our seatbelts on seems to be second nature to our generation now, back then, it was not the case. Kids would sit in the front seat without seatbelts and if you are an infant, it is most likely that you get to ride on somebody’s lap.

Cereals passed as a decent breakfast

If someone finds out that you served your kid cereal for breakfast, you would be judged as an irresponsible parent. Back in the 60s, people would not bat an eyelash. Cereal was considered to be a great breakfast option back then.

Source: Herald Weekly

Cereals were so popular and the kids love these sugary treats soaked in milk. They eventually realized cereal is not a good thing when the belly aches and toothaches became a constant thing.

Pox parties

Vaccines did not exist back in the 60s so when there was a slew of infectious diseases like chicken pox, measles, mumps, and rubella, kids were intentionally exposed to “get it over with.”

Source: Herald Weekly

People saw that these diseases were inevitable. Fortunately, kids were able to bounce back and recover right away and were able to develop immunities. Thankfully, we now have vaccines.

Spanking

Any form of physical punishment imposed on kids these days would definitely cause some judgment and eyebrow-raising. In some cases, child services would even come knocking on your door. Back in the 60s, discipline was serious and it hurt.

Source: Herald Weekly

If you misbehaved as a kid in the 60s, you will be getting a good spanking. Some kids even get worse – the belt. Thankfully back then, there was less parental supervision so kids still were able to make some mischief but once caught, it would be a world of pain for them.

Fire hydrant showers

Getting a shower from fire hydrants is quite popular for kids in the 60s – especially during summertime. A grownup would often blast open a fire hydrant to give sweaty kids a fun way to cool down and beat the heat.

Source: Herald Weekly

Today, any parent would be horrified if their kid got a fire hydrant shower. The quality of water that you get from them is actually questionable. It could be very risky. Plus, it would be illegal to tamper or use a fire hydrant for unofficial reasons.

Drinking from garden hoses

Summers in the 60s are for kids playing outdoors and running in the yard. Some would even play in the streets with other kids from the neighborhood. And these play and sweat sessions would often end up with the garden hose.

Source: Herald Weekly

Kids would often line up to take a drink from a garden hose. Back then, water regulation was not a thing. People thought drinking from the garden hose was safe. Today, we definitely would not allow kids to drink from the hose.

Gender-defined toys

Back in the 60s, kids could only enjoy toys specifically made for their gender. This means anything blue and can shoot stuff would go to a boy while girls are to play with pink and soft toys.

Source: Herald Weekly

Today’s kids are free to choose and play with whatever toy they want. We are now more open-minded and gender-sensitive. Boys can wear pink and girls can indulge in sports and shooting-related toys.

Boys don’t cry

Back then, boys matured at a very young age. They were expected to act like young men and they were not encouraged to cry. When young boys fall and get hurt, they had to suck it up like a real man.

Source: Herald Weekly

Today, the expectations are more relaxed now. Boys are allowed to be kids. Thankfully, little boys are free to express their emotions, and crying is now perceived as a natural reaction for them.