Things People Did In The ’60s And ’70s With Their Kids They Could Never Get Away With Today

6. Parents didn’t childproof their homes

There were no childproof medicine bottles, latches to keep drawers and doors shut, or electrical outlet plug covers. Parents weren’t encouraged to childproof their home. Many kids just ran around without a care in the world and played with things they probably shouldn’t have.

7. Playing outside or walking around alone

Little kids were sent off to walk to school alone or with friends. Kids often played outside together all day long without adult supervision. They would also play games in the streets, like street hockey or stickball. These days, kids can’t really go anywhere alone and many times, for good reasons.

8. Kids got smacked at school

In the ’60s and ’70s, it was common practice to get smacked on the butt for your birthday. You could also get smacked by a ruler if you got in trouble. You might also get pulled into the principal’s office by your ear. That would never fly these days!

9. Going to the candy store after school

Kids often hung out at candy stores where they could buy penny candy, ice cream soda, an egg cream, or another sugary beverage or dessert. Parents didn’t really seem to care unless you spoiled your appetite for dinner! What was your favorite thing to get at the candy store?

10. Riding around on bikes without helmets

We now know the dangers of riding bikes without helmets, but in those days no one thought about wearing a helmet. Now, you would never dream of letting your child or grandchild out on their bike without one!

11. Going to the beach alone with no sunscreen

Well, you probably went with your family but your parents didn’t really fret so much about you in the water. They figured the lifeguards would save you if needed. Also, there was rarely sunscreen found nearby. The 1960s were especially all about the tan. People would slather on baby oil instead of sunscreen, in hopes of gaining that darker complexion.

Read on to the last page for more crazy things you did as a kid in the 1960s and 1970s!