If you grew up in the 70s, you know that childhood had its own set of unspoken rules. Life back then was simpler, but there were some universal “guidelines” every kid seemed to follow—often because they were passed down from older siblings, neighbors, or even through a shared sense of culture. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to those days when the rules were clear, even if they were never written down.
1. You Better Finish What’s on Your Plate
There was no arguing about food. If it was on your plate, you were expected to finish it—especially the vegetables. “Waste not, want not” was drilled into every kid’s head, and you knew better than to try and sneak something under the table.
2. Be Home Before the Streetlights Come On
This rule was the ultimate curfew. No phone calls, texts, or GPS tracking—just the silent communication between parents and kids that when the streetlights flickered on, it was time to wrap up whatever you were doing and head home. If you didn’t, well, you were in for a stern talking-to, or worse, being grounded.
3. Saturday Morning Cartoons Were Sacred
Saturday mornings weren’t just for sleeping in; they were for plopping down in front of the TV with a bowl of sugary cereal, catching all the best cartoons. Shows like Scooby-Doo and Super Friends were a must, and you had to get your fill before noon, because by then the cartoons would be over and you’d be booted outside for the rest of the day.
4. You Better Know How to Fix Your Own Bike
In the 70s, your bike was your ticket to freedom. But there was an unspoken expectation: if something broke, you were responsible for fixing it. Whether it was a flat tire or a loose chain, every kid learned a little bit about bike maintenance, often with the help of a trusty crescent wrench and a lot of trial and error.
5. You Were Expected to Play Outside All Day
Unless it was pouring rain, staying inside was a no-go. Parents would practically push you out the door, and you’d spend the entire day running around the neighborhood, climbing trees, playing ball games, or riding your bike. It was all about fresh air and good old-fashioned fun.
6. No Shoes, No Problem
Running around barefoot wasn’t just allowed, it was encouraged. Whether you were playing in the grass or running across hot pavement (ouch!), shoes were optional most of the time. Sure, you’d get the occasional stubbed toe, but it was all part of being a 70s kid.
7. Swapping Lunches Was a Rite of Passage
Everyone knew what their friends’ lunches looked like, and trading sandwiches, cookies, or chips was a well-honed art form. You had to be clever about your swaps, making sure you got the best deal without losing your favorite snack. It was a daily schoolyard negotiation.
8. Stay Off the Phone After Dinner
The house phone was a lifeline, but it came with strict rules. After dinner, phone time was typically off-limits—especially if your parents were expecting a call or if someone was waiting for an important message. Plus, those long-distance charges? Yikes.
9. Privacy Was a Luxury
In the 70s, personal space was a rarity. Whether it was sharing bedrooms, living rooms, or even just the single bathroom in the house, privacy wasn’t something you could count on. And if you managed to get a moment alone, you cherished it!
10. If You Got Hurt, You Walked It Off
Unless it was broken or bleeding (and even then, it had to be bad), you were expected to tough it out. Falls, scrapes, and bumps were just part of the deal, and you’d better not come home crying unless it was serious.
11. Babysitting Meant Real Responsibility
Babysitting in the 70s wasn’t just a way to earn pocket money—it was a true test of responsibility. If you were left in charge of younger siblings or neighborhood kids, it was on you to make sure they didn’t burn down the house or get into trouble. And forget calling your parents to check in—this was all on you.
12. Riding in the Back of the Station Wagon Was the Best Seat
Remember piling into the back of the family station wagon for road trips? Seatbelts were optional, and the best spot was the way back, where you could stretch out, play games, or just watch the world go by through the rear window. It felt like your own private little zone.
13. You Had to Wait for Your Favorite Songs on the Radio
Before streaming, if you wanted to hear your favorite song, you had to wait for it. The radio was your best bet, and when that song finally came on, you had to be quick with your cassette recorder to catch it in time. And heaven forbid if the DJ talked over the intro!
14. Tag Was Played with Full Commitment
Tag wasn’t just a game; it was serious business. You ran, dodged, and ducked with every ounce of energy you had, and the neighborhood kids would play for hours without ever getting bored. There were no “safe zones” unless they were agreed upon beforehand, and you played until you were completely exhausted.
15. Homework Was Your Responsibility, Not Your Parents’
In the 70s, there was no hovering over your shoulder when it came to homework. If you had an assignment, it was your job to figure it out. Sure, you might ask for help, but ultimately, your homework was your responsibility, and no one was going to do it for you.
16. Drinking From the Hose Was Perfectly Fine
There was nothing better on a hot summer day than drinking from the garden hose. Forget about bottled water or fancy hydration methods—if you were thirsty, you turned on the hose and drank up. The water tasted a little metallic, but it got the job done!
17. TV Time Was Limited—And You Knew Not to Push It
Television wasn’t an all-day affair in the 70s. There were set times for watching your favorite shows, and once that time was up, the TV went off. You knew better than to ask for “just one more show” because the answer was always a firm no.
Life in the 70s was full of unspoken rules that shaped the way we lived and grew up. While some of these rules might seem foreign to kids today, they were part of the charm of growing up in an era where freedom, responsibility, and outdoor play ruled the day. It’s funny to look back and realize how much we took these rules for granted—they were just a part of life. And while today’s kids may have different experiences, those of us who grew up in the 70s will always remember the simple, yet profound, rules that guided our childhood.
