Parenting in the 1970s was a whole different world. It was a time of latchkey kids, backyard adventures, and advice that would make today’s parents do a double take. Back then, you didn’t have the internet or a million parenting books filled with studies and expert opinions. You had neighbors, relatives, and maybe a dog-eared Dr. Spock book to guide you. While some of that advice may have worked out fine, plenty of it feels downright shocking by today’s standards. Let’s look back at some of the most outdated parenting advice from the 70s that, in hindsight, seems completely absurd.
1. “Let the Baby Cry It Out—It Builds Character”
Parents were told to let their babies cry themselves to sleep, as comforting them was seen as “spoiling” them. Can you imagine how controversial that would be today? Now, parents debate the merits of sleep training methods and fret over every whimper.
2. “TV Is a Great Babysitter”
Back in the 70s, plopping kids in front of the TV for hours was totally acceptable. Saturday morning cartoons and prime-time sitcoms did the job while parents got things done. Today, with screen time limits and blue-light-blocking glasses, this advice feels like a relic of a less-anxious era.
3. “Feed Them When They’re Hungry, Not on a Schedule”
Parents were often told to avoid rigid mealtime schedules and let kids graze throughout the day. While that sounds great in theory, it usually translated into a diet heavy on sugary cereals and convenience snacks. These days, structured meals and balanced diets are the parenting gold standard.
4. “Rub Whiskey on Their Gums for Teething”
Believe it or not, many parents in the 70s were told that a dab of whiskey on the gums was a quick fix for a teething baby. These days, the idea of giving a baby alcohol would send most people into a panic. Baby-safe teething gels and frozen teething toys have thankfully replaced this outdated remedy.
5. “Kids Need to Tough It Out”
From bumps and bruises to emotional upsets, parents were told to keep their kids tough by downplaying their pain. “Walk it off!” or “You’re fine!” were practically parenting mantras. Today, there’s more emphasis on validating kids’ feelings and encouraging them to express emotions.
6. “Ride in the Car Without a Seatbelt”
In the 70s, seatbelt laws were practically non-existent, and car seats were more of a suggestion than a requirement. Kids would pile into the backseat, sit on laps, or even ride in the cargo space of a station wagon. Compare that to today, where car seat regulations are taken so seriously that parents research installation techniques like they’re studying for a final exam.
7. “Play Outside Until It Gets Dark”
“Go outside and don’t come back until dinner!” was a common refrain in the 70s. Parents gave kids free rein to roam the neighborhood or nearby woods without supervision. Today, parents use GPS trackers on their kids’ phones and rarely let them out of sight.
8. “Smoking Around Kids Is Harmless”
Back then, smoking was so common that parents often lit up in the house, in the car, or even at the dinner table. The dangers of secondhand smoke weren’t widely recognized, and ashtrays were a standard household fixture. Now, smoking near children is considered irresponsible at best and neglectful at worst.
9. “Give Them a Bottle of Soda as a Treat”
It wasn’t uncommon for kids to enjoy soda with lunch or even as a reward for good behavior. Back then, the sugary treats weren’t demonized like they are now, and a Coke or Pepsi in a baby bottle wasn’t unheard of. These days, parents carefully manage sugar intake and opt for water or organic juice boxes.
10. “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child”
Corporal punishment was widely accepted in the 70s, with spanking often viewed as an essential part of discipline. It was seen as a way to “teach respect.” Now, the majority of parenting experts discourage physical punishment, focusing on positive discipline strategies instead.
11. “Formula Is Just as Good as Breast Milk”
The 70s marked a peak in formula feeding, with many mothers encouraged to choose it over breastfeeding for convenience. Breastfeeding was often seen as outdated or inconvenient. Today, breastfeeding is celebrated as the healthiest option (when possible), with lactation consultants and nursing apps everywhere.
12. “Let Kids Stay Up Late—It’s Summer!”
In the summer months, bedtimes often went out the window, with kids staying up well past midnight. Sleep schedules were loose, and parents didn’t worry much about the impact. Today, bedtime routines are strictly enforced to ensure proper rest for growing brains.
13. “Babies Don’t Need Sunscreen”
Parents were told that babies didn’t need sunscreen, as a little sun was thought to be good for them. This often led to kids getting sunburned while playing outside for hours. Nowadays, sunscreen is applied religiously, and even babies are kept in the shade or under protective clothing.
The 1970s might have been a simpler time, but some of the parenting advice from that era definitely didn’t age well. While we can laugh about these outdated ideas now, they also remind us how much parenting—and the world—has evolved. Still, there’s something comforting about the memories of growing up with fewer rules and a whole lot of freedom.
