1. No Seatbelts or Car Seats
Back in the day, riding in the car was a whole different experience. Many people remember being kids and sitting in the backseat without a seatbelt. Some even recall riding up front on their mom’s lap! Today, buckling up is second nature, but it wasn’t always that way.
2. Drinking from Garden Hoses
When thirst hit during outdoor playtime, kids used to run straight to the garden hose for a drink. It might sound a bit wild now, but at the time, it was just a quick and easy way to stay hydrated while having fun.
3. Playing Outside Until Dark
Once upon a time, kids would head outside to play and wouldn’t come home until the streetlights came on. Parents didn’t have tracking apps; they just trusted their kids to be safe and come back when it got dark.
4. Riding Bikes Without Helmets
Helmets? What helmets? Kids used to zip around on their bikes with the wind in their hair and no protective gear. It was all about the freedom of the ride, though safety wasn’t really top of mind.
5. Smoking Was Everywhere
Smoking was a lot more common and accepted back then. People smoked in restaurants, planes, and even around children. It’s hard to imagine now, but cigarettes were just a part of everyday life.
6. Lead-Based Toys and Paint
Lead was once found in everything from toys to paint. It wasn’t until later that people learned about its dangers. Before that, playing with lead-painted toys was just a normal part of growing up.
7. Latchkey Kids
Many kids had their own house keys and came home to an empty house after school. They were known as “latchkey kids” and often made their own snacks and did homework until their parents returned from work.
8. Hitchhiking
Believe it or not, hitchhiking was a common way to get around. People didn’t think twice about thumbing a ride from strangers. Today, it’s something most parents would warn their kids against doing.
9. Watching TV Without Parental Controls
Kids watched whatever was on TV, and there weren’t any parental controls to block certain shows. Saturday morning cartoons were a big hit, and kids could watch them freely.
10. Collecting Glass Soda Bottles
Kids would collect glass soda bottles and return them for a small refund. It was a fun way to earn a little pocket money and recycle at the same time.
11. Playing with Fireworks
Fireworks were a big part of celebrations, and kids often handled them without adult supervision. It was thrilling and fun, but definitely not the safest activity.
12. Candy Cigarettes
These candy sticks looked like real cigarettes and were a popular treat among kids. Looking back, it’s surprising they ever existed, but they were just considered harmless fun at the time.
13. Walking to School Alone
Kids often walked to school by themselves or with friends. The journey was an adventure, and parents trusted that they’d make it safely. Today, many parents prefer to accompany their kids or drive them.
