Parenting has changed a lot over the years, shaped by new knowledge, culture, and values. Some of the habits that used to be common might surprise us today because they don’t fit with modern ideas about safety or well-being.
Looking back, it’s clear that many parenting practices from the past would seem shocking to us now. Exploring these habits helps us understand how much we’ve learned and how parenting continues to evolve with time.
Giving babies whiskey or brandy to help them sleep
We used to think that a few drops of whiskey or brandy could help babies sleep better. Back then, parents believed alcohol’s sedative effects soothed fussy infants and eased teething pain.
It was common for families to gently rub whiskey on a baby’s gums or add a bit to their bottle. Of course, today we know this practice is unsafe and not a solution.
Our understanding of baby care has grown a lot, and thankfully, there are now safer ways to help little ones rest peacefully.
Letting kids roam freely without supervision
We used to let our kids explore the neighborhood or walk to the park on their own. It felt normal and even helped them learn independence.
Today, this practice surprises many because safety concerns have changed. We know now that the world feels different, so letting kids roam without adult supervision is less common.
Still, many of us see value in giving children some freedom. It helps build confidence, even if we balance it with more caution than previous generations did.
Using strict corporal punishment as discipline
We used to see corporal punishment as a common way to teach children right from wrong. Spanking or other physical methods were often thought necessary to enforce obedience and respect.
Back then, many believed that physical discipline would stop bad behavior quickly. But today, we understand that it can actually cause harm and doesn’t help children learn long-term.
Now, we focus more on guidance and communication to help children grow. It’s clear that kindness and patience are much better tools for parenting than strict punishment.
Smoking around children indoors
We used to see parents smoking inside homes and cars without much concern. It was just part of daily life, even with kids nearby.
Today, we understand how harmful secondhand smoke is for children’s health. Smoking indoors around kids is now considered unsafe and is often against the law.
It’s hard to imagine back then how common it was to light up around babies and toddlers. Now, protecting our children from smoke is a clear priority for all of us.
Leaving toddlers unattended in cars
We used to think it was okay to quickly leave toddlers alone in the car while running errands. Now, we know just how dangerous this can be. Even a few minutes alone in a vehicle can cause serious harm.
Hot cars can heat up rapidly and cause heatstroke, which is life-threatening. Sadly, about 40 children die each year from this.
We also understand that kids can accidentally set a car in motion or get trapped inside. Today, it’s a no-brainer for us to always take our little ones out or ask for help if needed.
