Parenting in the ’70s looked pretty different from what you might expect today. The rules that seemed normal back then are now seen as outdated or even risky by modern standards.
This article highlights six parenting rules from that era that would likely raise serious concerns or get parents “canceled” in today’s world. You’ll get a glimpse of how much attitudes around raising kids have changed over the decades.
Letting kids roam the neighborhood alone for hours
Back in the ’70s, it was totally normal for kids to spend hours wandering the neighborhood by themselves. You might have been told to “be home before the streetlights come on” and that was it. No check-ins, no tracking, just freedom.
Your parents trusted the neighborhood and expected you to figure things out on your own. Today, though, letting a kid roam unsupervised like that would raise a lot of concerns about safety and supervision. It’s a different world now.
Minimal supervision during outdoor play
Back in the ’70s, kids were basically sent outside to play with very little adult supervision. You might have been told to just go out and figure things out on your own.
There were no GPS trackers or constant check-ins. The idea was that fresh air and freedom were essential for growing up.
Today, this kind of freedom would raise a lot of concerns about safety. But for you back then, it meant developing independence and creativity without someone always watching.
Using corporal punishment like spanking
Back in the ’70s, spanking was seen as a normal way to discipline kids. You might have grown up hearing, “Spare the rod, spoil the child.”
Parents and teachers thought a quick smack would teach respect and stop bad behavior fast. Now, though, experts warn that physical punishment can cause more harm than good.
If you tried spanking your kids today, it could actually get you reported. The focus now is on positive discipline, like talking things through and setting clear boundaries without hitting.
Leaving children home alone at a young age
Back in the ’70s, it was pretty common for parents to leave kids home alone much earlier than you’d see today. You might have been trusted to handle the house, make snacks, or just entertain yourself after school.
Parents believed this helped build independence and responsibility. Today, though, laws and opinions have shifted a lot. If you think about doing the same now, you’d likely run into state rules and social concerns that weren’t around before.
Still, the idea of kids learning to manage on their own is something some parents still value, but with much more caution.
Encouraging kids to solve their own problems without adult help
Back in the ’70s, kids were often expected to figure things out on their own. You probably heard things like “toughen up” or “handle it yourself.” Today, that kind of hands-off approach would raise some eyebrows.
But teaching your kids to solve problems independently is still important. You want them to build confidence and decision-making skills. Stepping back doesn’t mean ignoring them; it means giving them room to learn how to handle challenges.
When you let your child work through problems, you’re helping them become more resilient. It’s okay to guide without jumping in to fix everything. This balance helps them grow into capable adults.
Smoking indoors around children
Back in the ’70s, smoking inside the house, even with kids around, was pretty common. You might light up at the dinner table or while your little ones played nearby, thinking it was no big deal.
People didn’t really know about the dangers of secondhand smoke then. These days, smoking indoors with kids is a serious no-go and often against the law in many places.
If you tried that now, you’d definitely face some serious judgment — and probably a fine, too.