Growing up in the 1970s was a unique experience, characterized by a sense of freedom, exploration, and a lack of the safety concerns that pervade modern parenting. From the food they ate to the activities they engaged in, children of the ’70s had a very different upbringing than kids today. Many of the things that were considered normal back then would be seen as unthinkable or even dangerous by 2024 standards. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at 18 staples of a ’70s childhood that would never fly today.
Riding in the Back of a Station Wagon
In the ’70s, it was common for families to pile into the back of a station wagon for long road trips, with kids often sprawling out on the floor or in the cargo area. There were no seat belts, no car seats, and certainly no safety concerns. Today, this practice is not only illegal but also unthinkable, as parents prioritize their children’s safety above all else.
Playing with Lawn Darts
Lawn darts, also known as Jarts, were a popular outdoor game in the 1970s that involved throwing large metal darts at a target in the grass. The darts had sharp metal tips and could cause serious injury or even death if thrown improperly. In 1988, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of metal-tipped lawn darts, citing the high risk of injury to children.
Riding Bikes Without Helmets
In the ’70s, it was rare to see a child riding a bike with a helmet. Kids would often ride their bikes for hours on end, exploring their neighborhoods and beyond, without any protective gear. Today, helmet use is not only encouraged but also required by law in many states, as parents and lawmakers alike recognize the importance of protecting children’s heads from injury.
Eating Sugar-Laden Cereals
Breakfast in the ’70s often consisted of sugary cereals like Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, and Cap’n Crunch. These cereals were marketed directly to children and were often the only thing kids would eat in the morning. Today, parents are much more aware of the dangers of excessive sugar consumption and are more likely to opt for healthier breakfast options.
Roaming the Neighborhood Unsupervised
In the ’70s, it was common for kids to leave the house in the morning and not return until dinner time. They would roam the neighborhood unsupervised, playing with friends, exploring the woods, and generally having adventures. Today, this kind of unsupervised play is much less common, as parents are more concerned about stranger danger and other safety risks.
Drinking from the Garden Hose
On a hot summer day in the ’70s, it was common for kids to drink water straight from the garden hose. No one thought twice about the safety or cleanliness of the water, and it was seen as a convenient way to stay hydrated while playing outside. Today, parents are much more aware of the potential contaminants in hose water and are more likely to provide their children with clean, filtered water.
Playing with Chemistry Sets
Chemistry sets were a popular toy in the 1970s, allowing kids to perform a wide range of experiments with chemicals and other materials. However, these sets often contained dangerous substances like sodium cyanide and sulfuric acid, which could cause serious harm if mishandled. Today, chemistry sets are still available but are heavily regulated and contain only safe, non-toxic materials.
Using Playgrounds with Metal Equipment
In the ’70s, most playgrounds were made of metal equipment like slides, swings, and monkey bars. These structures could get incredibly hot in the summer sun and posed a risk of injury if a child fell onto the hard ground below. Today, most playgrounds are made with safer materials like plastic and rubber, and have softer surfaces like wood chips or sand to cushion falls.
Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
Riding in the back of a pickup truck was a common activity for kids in the ’70s, especially in rural areas. Kids would pile into the truck bed and ride along as the driver navigated the roads, often without any safety restraints. Today, this practice is illegal in most states, as it poses a serious risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.
Playing with Fireworks
Fireworks were a common sight at backyard gatherings and Fourth of July celebrations in the ’70s. Kids would often light fireworks unsupervised, leading to a high risk of burns, eye injuries, and other serious harm. Today, many states have strict laws around the sale and use of fireworks, and parents are much more cautious about letting their children handle them.
Going to the Movies Alone
In the ’70s, it was common for kids to go to the movies alone or with friends, without any adult supervision. Parents would drop their kids off at the theater and pick them up a few hours later, trusting that they would behave themselves. Today, most parents would never let their children go to the movies alone, as concerns about stranger danger and other risks are much higher.
Eating Processed Foods
Processed foods like TV dinners, canned soups, and boxed macaroni and cheese were a staple of many ’70s childhoods. These foods were convenient and affordable, but often lacked nutritional value and contained high amounts of sodium, sugar, and preservatives. Today, parents are much more aware of the importance of feeding their children whole, unprocessed foods and are more likely to prioritize healthy eating habits.
Smoking in Public Places
In the ’70s, smoking was much more prevalent and accepted in public places, including restaurants, airports, and even hospitals. Children were often exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis, which we now know can have serious health consequences. Today, smoking is banned in most public places, and parents are much more aware of the dangers of exposing their children to secondhand smoke.
Playing with Toys Made of Lead
Many toys in the ’70s were made with lead-based paints and other materials, which we now know can cause serious health problems if ingested. Children would often put these toys in their mouths or chew on them, leading to a risk of lead poisoning. Today, lead-based paints and materials are strictly regulated, and parents are much more aware of the importance of choosing safe, non-toxic toys for their children.
Riding in Cars Without Car Seats
In the ’70s, car seats were not widely used, and it was common for children to ride in cars without any safety restraints at all. Parents would often hold their babies in their laps or let their toddlers roam freely in the backseat. Today, car seat use is mandated by law in all 50 states, and parents prioritize their children’s safety above all else when traveling in a vehicle.
Using Pesticides and Herbicides
In the ’70s, it was common for homeowners to use pesticides and herbicides liberally in their yards and gardens, without much concern for the potential health risks. Children would often play in these treated areas, potentially exposing themselves to harmful chemicals. Today, parents are much more aware of the dangers of pesticides and herbicides and are more likely to opt for natural, non-toxic methods of pest control.
Letting Kids Use Power Tools
In the ’70s, it was not uncommon for children to use power tools like saws, drills, and sanders, often without proper safety equipment or adult supervision. This could lead to serious injuries like cuts, burns, and even amputations. Today, most parents would never let their children handle power tools unsupervised, and prioritize teaching them about tool safety from a young age.
Giving Kids Aspirin for Fevers
In the ’70s, it was common for parents to give their children aspirin to reduce fevers and relieve pain. However, we now know that aspirin can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in children, which can lead to brain damage and even death. Today, parents are advised to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead of aspirin for children’s fever and pain relief.
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