Back in Time Today
Explore the unique and sometimes questionable parenting practices of the 1970s. These 17 items highlight the adventurous and often free-spirited upbringing many experienced during this era of minimal supervision and high independence.
1. Roam the Neighborhood Unsupervised
“Be home by dinner!” was the anthem of the ’70s. Kids roamed their neighborhoods with unbridled freedom, exploring every nook and cranny. Without a cellphone in sight, their adventures became the legends of their childhoods.
Parents trusted that neighborhood networks kept a watchful eye, yet most of the time, it was simply a community of kids looking out for each other. This unsupervised play fostered creativity, independence, and street smarts.
In today’s world, such a laissez-faire approach might raise eyebrows, but back then, it was a testament to the trust and community spirit that defined the era.
2. Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck
Family road trips with the kids bouncing around in the back of a pickup truck like loose groceries were a thing. No seatbelts, no safety concerns—just the open road and a breeze through their hair.
The ’70s embraced a sense of freedom that today’s safety standards would never allow. It was thrilling and wild, a time when safety took a backseat to the adventure of the ride.
While it might seem reckless now, many fondly remember these trips as a symbol of the carefree spontaneity that defined the decade.
3. Play with Lawn Darts (Jarts)
In the ’70s, every backyard had its own set of lawn darts, or “Jarts.” These metal-tipped projectiles were part of a game that was as thrilling as it was hazardous.
Kids would aim for a target, often with little regard for the danger these heavy darts posed. It was a game of skill and, sometimes, sheer luck.
Eventually, the potential for injury led to their ban. Yet, for those who played, it remains a thrilling memory of a time when risk and play went hand in hand.
4. Walk to School Alone… in Kindergarten
In the ’70s, kids navigating the streets without parents, was the norm for many kindergartners.
Parents trusted their little ones to make the journey, believing it fostered independence from a young age. It was a different time, where community and safety seemed synonymous.
But times have changed, and today, such freedom might seem unbelievable. Back then, it was a rite of passage that marked the beginning of a child’s journey into the larger world.
5. Smoke “Kiddie Cigarettes”
With candy cigarettes in hand, kids of the ’70s mimicked the adults around them. These sugary sticks, complete with powdered sugar “smoke,” made the act of smoking look glamorous and fun.
It was an era when smoking was ubiquitous, and the candy version seemed innocent enough. Parents didn’t think twice about the potential implications.
Today, the idea of promoting such a habit to children seems unthinkable. Yet, for those who indulged, it was a sweet little rebellion that left a lasting impression.
6. Drink from the Hose
On hot summer days, nothing quenched thirst like a drink from the garden hose. No one worried about germs as kids lined up, eagerly waiting their turn.
The water had a distinct taste—perhaps it was the rubber of the hose, or maybe the minerals. Either way, it was refreshing.
Today, when bottled water is the norm, the thought of drinking from a hose might elicit a grimace. Yet, it was a simple pleasure that connected children to their surroundings in a unique way.
7. Ride Bikes Without Helmets
“Watch out for cars!” was the only advice kids needed as they zoomed down streets on their bicycles, helmet-free. Skinned knees and elbows were part of the experience.
The absence of helmets didn’t deter the daring stunts or the sense of freedom that bicycling provided. It was a rite of passage.
In today’s safety-conscious world, helmets are a must. But for those who grew up in the ’70s, biking without one was an exhilarating part of childhood that encouraged resilience and bravery.
8. Play on Metal Playgrounds
Playgrounds of the ’70s were an adventure in themselves. Made of metal and set on concrete, they were both a delight and a hazard.
Kids would brave scorching hot slides and wobbly seesaws, learning the art of balance and patience. It was a playground jungle where every climb and slide was a new challenge.
Today, playgrounds are built with safety in mind. Back then, the risks were part of the fun—a testament to the rugged spirit that defined a generation.
9. Hitchhike (Seriously)
Sticking out a thumb and catching a ride with a stranger was an accepted mode of transport for teens in the ’70s. It was a blend of trust and adventure.
Parents, surprisingly, didn’t fret much, often saying only, “Be home by dinner.” It was a time when community bonds seemed stronger.
While hitchhiking is rare today due to safety concerns, back then it was a rite of passage that embodied the free-spirited nature of the decade.
10. Eat TV Dinners Every Night
Pop a TV dinner in the oven and settle in front of the television—this was a common evening ritual in the ’70s. These aluminum tray meals were both a novelty and convenience.
For many kids, it wasn’t just about the meal, but the experience of dining while watching favorite shows. It became a household staple.
Today, with the focus on fresh and healthy foods, TV dinners have taken a backseat. But they remain a nostalgic memory of a time when convenience was key to family dining.
11. Play with Mercury
The ’70s were a time when playing with mercury was considered a fun science experiment. Kids marveled at the shiny, liquid metal, unaware of its toxicity.
Broken thermometers provided hours of fascination, as children learned about density and viscosity through hands-on experience.
Today, with awareness of mercury’s dangers, such activities seem shocking. Yet, for those who remember, it was a magical and educational experience despite the risks.
12. Ride in Cars Without Seat Belts
Piling into the family station wagon without fastening a seatbelt was just another day in the ’70s. Kids gleefully roamed the backseat, making every trip an adventure.
Safety regulations were lax, and seatbelts were often an afterthought. It was a time when the freedom of movement was valued over safety.
Nowadays, seatbelt laws are strictly enforced. But for the ’70s generation, the open car rides were a liberating experience, filled with laughter and joy.
13. Use Lead Paint Toys
In the ’70s, toys coated in vibrant lead paint were a staple in every household. Bright colors attracted children, but the hidden dangers were unknown.
From action figures to dollhouses, the allure of these toys was irresistible. Parents were unaware of the potential health risks associated with lead.
Today, strict regulations ensure toy safety. For those who grew up in that era, these toys are a reminder of a time when the vivid hues of childhood masked unseen hazards.
14. Light Fireworks Unsupervised
Fourth of July in the ’70s meant kids with sparklers and fireworks, often without adult supervision. It was a day of excitement and pyrotechnic experiments.
The sight of bottle rockets soaring into the sky was thrilling. Kids learned firsthand about fire safety through trial and error.
Today, fireworks are strictly controlled, but for those who experienced it, the unsupervised displays were an unforgettable part of childhood celebrations.
15. Take Aspirin Like Candy
In the ’70s, aspirin was the go-to remedy for everything from headaches to boredom. Kids would pop them like candy, unaware of potential side effects.
Parents, equally uninformed, offered aspirin as a cure-all. The discovery of Reye’s syndrome later changed this practice.
Now, medication is used with caution, but back then, aspirin was a common household fix, symbolizing the simple remedies of a less informed era.
16. Swim in Questionable Water
Public pools in the ’70s often resembled chlorine soup. Kids dove in without a second thought, enjoying the cool escape from the summer heat.
Lakes and rivers, clear or murky, were equally enticing. The potential presence of sewage was overlooked in favor of aquatic fun.
Today, water quality is closely monitored, but back then, swimming in questionable waters was a risky, yet exhilarating, part of summer adventures.
17. Babysit at Age 10
Babysitting at the tender age of 10 was common in the ’70s. These young sitters were entrusted with the care of even younger siblings or neighbors’ kids.
Armed with only a phone and a list of emergency contacts, they managed the household with surprising maturity and responsibility.
Nowadays, babysitters are older and often trained. But for those who took on the role back then, it was a badge of honor that taught early lessons in responsibility and independence.