Emily Flores
The ’60s were a different world for parents. Kids played outside until the streetlights came on, and discipline came with a hefty dose of tough love. If today’s parents tried these parenting tactics, they’d probably spark a social media storm. So, let’s take a look at ten seriously shocking moments from the era.
Spanking Was A Normal Form Of Discipline
Back in the ’60s, most parents believed that a well-timed smack was all a child needed to learn discipline. It was part of everyday life, often viewed as a necessary evil. Imagine today, though, parents being praised for such methods. The shock factor would be off the charts.
Putting Babies To Sleep On Their Stomachs
Parents were instructed to put their babies on their stomachs to sleep; a practice once thought to reduce the risk of choking. This method persisted despite the growing risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is now strongly associated with stomach sleeping.
Rigid Gender Roles In Parenting
Earlier, boys were encouraged to play rough, avoid showing emotions, and engage in activities like sports. Girls, on the other hand, were taught to be quiet and focused on domestic duties. Such limitations on gender expression would be widely criticized today as outdated and restrictive.
Public Shaming For Misbehavior
In the ’60s, public shaming was a common form of punishment for children. Parents would often scold, scorn, or humiliate their children in front of others to curb undesirable behavior. However, such practices are considered psychologically damaging and are strongly discouraged in favor of private life.
Quiet Time Without Play
Children were required to engage in “quiet time,” where they would sit quietly for hours without play or interaction. This practice was believed to promote discipline, and such stillness without any form of engagement was considered detrimental to their well-being.
Leaving Children Unsupervised For Hours
Children in the ’60s roamed the streets alone or played outside without any supervision for hours. It was a time when “free-range parenting” was the norm, and the absence of constant parental oversight was accepted. In today’s world, however, leaving children unattended for extended periods would raise alarms.
Children Expected To Be Seen, Not Heard
If you were a kid in the ’60s, you knew your place—quiet, respectful, and mostly invisible when adults were around. Expressing yourself? Not so much. Can you imagine a modern child biting their tongue in the middle of a family conversation just because they were told to stay silent?
Children Exposed To Violence In Media
Saturday mornings were filled with cartoons that often showcased violence as a harmless, even funny activity. From the endless slapstick antics to the tough guy characters, the idea of kids witnessing those scenes was the norm.
Unregulated Over-The-Counter Medications For Kids
Back then, parents weren’t afraid to give kids a dose of cough syrup, sometimes more than necessary. Over-the-counter medications were often handed out like candy. The thought of giving a child something to ease their cough or headache without second-guessing the dosage today would be considered reckless.
Denial Of Emotional Support
The ’60s saw a widespread belief that children should toughen up and learn to deal with their emotions on their own. Parents were less likely to offer emotional support or comfort when children were upset. Crying was often discouraged, and emotional expression was viewed as a sign of weakness.