Parenting has changed a lot over the years and what used to be considered acceptable is now completely off-limits. Many old-school parenting techniques would land you in hot water if you did these things to your children now. With new safety standards, we have a lot to think about when it comes to parenting these days.
Letting Kids Ride in the Car Without Seatbelts
There was a time when cars were designed with more ashtrays than seatbelts, and safety just wasn’t the priority it is today. Kids used to bounce around the backseat, lie across the back window, or even ride up front on a parent’s lap.
Before seatbelt laws became widespread, this was just how things were done, and no one thought twice about it.
Sending Kids to the Store Alone
Back in the day, it wasn’t uncommon for a seven-year-old to be handed a few dollars and sent to the store to pick up bread, milk, or even a pack of cigarettes for their parents. Kids walked to local shops by themselves, and store clerks didn’t bat an eye.
Spanking as a Common Form of Discipline
For decades, spanking was a go-to method of discipline, and it wasn’t just parents who did this, as teachers, neighbors, and even family friends felt justified in giving a child a swat if they misbehaved. It was seen as a way to teach respect and obedience, and no one really questioned it.
Letting Kids Play Outside Until Dark—No Supervision
It used to be completely normal for kids to leave the house in the morning, roam the neighborhood, and come back only when the streetlights turned on. Parents didn’t worry about constantly checking in, and cell phones weren’t around to track their every move.
These days, letting kids roam unsupervised is seen as neglect, and in some places, it can even lead to legal trouble.
Smoking Around Kids—Even Indoors
In our parent’s time, smoking wasn’t just socially acceptable, it was everywhere. Parents smoked in the house, in the car, at the dinner table, and even while holding their babies. Restaurants, airplanes, and even hospitals allowed smoking, meaning children were constantly exposed to secondhand smoke.
Leaving Kids Alone in the Car
Did you know, it was common for parents to leave their kids in the car while running a quick errand? Today, leaving a child alone in a car, even for a few minutes, can result in criminal charges.
Stories of tragic heatstroke deaths, car thefts, and kidnappings have changed how society views this practice.
Using Walkers for Babies
For years, baby walkers were seen as a fun and useful way to help infants learn to walk. Parents believed they were encouraging early development, and many homes had one rolling around the kitchen. However, studies have shown that walkers actually delay walking development and lead to dangerous falls.
Feeding Kids Whatever Was Available—No Special Meals
A few decades ago, kids didn’t get to pick what they wanted for dinner as everyone ate the same meal, no exceptions. Parents didn’t cater to picky eaters, and there were no separate kid-friendly plates. If dinner was liver and onions, that’s what you ate, like it or not.
Leaving Kids Home Alone at a Young Age
Your parents will still remember that latchkey kids were common and children as young as eight or nine would come home from school, let themselves in, and take care of themselves until their parents got home. Older siblings, even if they were only 10 or 11, were often left in charge.
Letting Kids Drink Soda and Sugary Drinks All the Time
Not long ago, kids drank soda with meals, brought sugary juice boxes to school, and rarely heard about nutrition labels. Parents didn’t worry much about high fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes, and fast food meals with sodas were completely normal.
Today, the risks of childhood obesity, diabetes, and hyperactivity have led to major shifts in how parents approach drinks.
Using Vicks VapoRub on Babies
For generations, parents swore by Vicks VapoRub as a cure-all for congestion. It was a household staple, passed down through families as a trusted remedy for colds. Many parents would rub it on a baby’s chest, feet, or even under their nose to help with breathing. However, modern research has shown that using Vicks on infants under two years old can actually make respiratory issues worse.
Allowing Kids to Ride Bikes Without Helmets
Before the days of health and safety, wearing a helmet was considered optional, if not downright uncool. Kids rode their bikes, skateboards, and roller skates without any protective gear, zooming down hills and jumping off ramps with nothing but good luck to keep them safe. Helmets were rarely required, and many parents didn’t push for them.
Letting Kids Sit in the Front Seat Too Early
Not that long ago, kids couldn’t wait to sit in the front seat, and most parents let them as soon as they were old enough to buckle themselves in. Some kids even rode in the front seat well before they met the height or weight requirements.
Giving Babies Water Before Six Months Old
It might seem harmless, but giving water to a baby too early was once common practice. Many parents, especially older generations, believed that water helped with digestion, hydration, or even weight management. However, modern pediatricians warn that giving water to infants under six months can be dangerous.
Ignoring Food Allergies and Sensitivities
In past generations, parents didn’t think twice about feeding their kids peanut butter, dairy, or other common allergens. Food allergies weren’t widely discussed, and reactions were often dismissed as just being a sensitive stomach.
Kids were expected to eat whatever was served, and special dietary needs were rarely accommodated.