Tag: 1970s
Parenting in the 1970s
I’ve been catching up with old friends lately. We’ve reminisced about our own childhoods and growing up as babies and toddlers in the late 1970s.
It seems we’re from an entirely different age when compared to families of today. And it’s not just the fashion of the 1970s that stands us apart.
Parenting styles have changed dramatically over the last few decades.
Back in the day we were allowed to play in the garden and run freely around the streets.
My friends and I would go down the lane to a nearby river for a dip on hot summer days. When swimming wasn’t an option we’d run amok across farmer’s fields where grazing bulls would stir at our laughter and foolishness.
Children today are brought up with their parent’s keeping a much closer eye on their whereabouts. This is aided by technology keeping communication between parents and children more accessible.
But by limiting the amount of freedom our children have are we detrimentally stunting their ability to grow and learn for themselves?
As for all of the baby paraphernalia we can’t live without, there’s a distinct gap between then and now.
Who’d ever heard of a car seat for a baby or child, let alone a seatbelt? These days you’ll be arrested if your baby or child isn’t strapped safely in a car.
Baby monitors? If baby cried the parents would hear and could go and check on them.
Did anyone use sun cream to protect baby’s delicate skin? Today we’re advised by leading health bodies to not expose babies under the age of 6 months to the sun.
Stair gates? Baby learnt how to climb up and down stairs.
Had parents in the 1970s even heard of the things today’s parents simply take for granted?
- BPA free plastic bottles and cups
- Non-toxic paints used on children’s toys
- Safety standards in playgrounds
- Baby and toddler products conforming to stringent regulations
- Organic formula milk and baby food
What are your views on the style of parenting in the 1970s compared with today?
photo credit: H is for Home via photopin cc
