12 Things Our Parents Did In The ’60s That Would Shock Younger Generations Today
The way your parents lived in the ’60s might seem very different from how you live today. Social norms, technology, and daily habits have all changed a lot since then.
This article will take you through some surprising things your parents did back then that might be hard to imagine now.
Smoking inside the house freely
In the ’60s, it was normal for parents to smoke indoors without a second thought. You might find ashtrays on every table, and smoke filling up the entire room.
You wouldn’t have seen designated smoking areas or bans like today. Kids often grew up around that smell, and no one worried much about the health risks.
Kids walking to school alone
In the ’60s, it was common for kids to walk to school by themselves. You might find children roaming the neighborhood free without constant adult supervision.
It was seen as part of growing up and gaining independence. Parents now often drive kids or organize group walks for protection.
Using leaded gasoline in cars
Back in the ’60s, using leaded gasoline was completely normal. You might be surprised to learn that this type of fuel was the standard for most cars.
Today, you know it caused serious health and environmental problems. You probably can’t imagine filling your car with something that’s now banned.
No seat belt laws
Back in the ’60s, you didn’t have to buckle up when you got into a car. Seat belt laws were either very new or didn’t exist in many places.
Your parents might have even sat on the back of a pickup truck while it was moving. Using seat belts wasn’t common, and airbags weren’t yet a thing.
Leaving babies unattended on high surfaces
In the ’60s, it wasn’t unusual for parents to leave babies on beds or changing tables without constant supervision. You might find stories of babies left sitting on a couch or a kitchen counter while parents finished chores nearby.
Back then, people generally trusted their children’s limited mobility more and didn’t see the same risks. Safety standards and awareness have changed a lot.
Playing outside until dark without cell phones
You spent hours outside after school, playing until the sun went down. There were no texts or calls to check, just your friends and imagination.
If you needed to be home, a loud whistle or a parent shouting was your only reminder. No one tracked your location with a phone.
Watching black-and-white TV shows
You probably can’t imagine watching your favorite shows without color. Back in the ’60s, most TVs only showed black-and-white pictures.
Families gathered around these screens for news, sitcoms, and dramas. The excitement wasn’t about shiny graphics but about the story and performances.
Listening to 8-track tapes
You probably can’t imagine carrying around a bulky 8-track tape just to listen to your favorite album. In the ’60s, these tapes were the main way to enjoy music on the go, especially in cars.
You had to deal with the constant clicking as the tape shifted tracks. Sometimes it would even get stuck or play out of sync.
If you wanted to hear a specific song, you had to wait for the tape to reach that section. No skipping like you do with digital playlists today.
Using rotary dial phones
You had to place your finger in a numbered hole and turn a dial all the way around for each digit. It took patience because dialing a full number was slower than tapping on a screen.
If you made a mistake, you couldn’t just delete it easily. Phones were fixed to one spot.
You couldn’t carry them around with you like today’s mobile devices. Using a phone meant everyone knew you were on a call.
Parents sending kids to school without lunchboxes
Back then, many parents didn’t pack lunchboxes for their kids. You might have just carried a brown paper bag or nothing at all.
School cafeterias were often where you got your meals instead. If you forgot your lunch, someone else might have shared with you.
Homes without smoke detectors
In the ’60s, most homes didn’t have smoke detectors. You probably wouldn’t have heard of them because they weren’t common or required by law.
This meant families had to rely on their senses, like smell or sight, to notice a fire. Many houses were at higher risk simply because there was no early warning system.
Driving without airbags
Back in the ’60s, cars didn’t have airbags.
You got in, buckled up if you felt like it, and drove without that extra layer of safety.
Today, airbags are standard.
It’s hard to imagine driving without them.
Seeing your parents drive without airbags might seem risky now.
But it was just part of everyday life back then.
