By: Jamie Thompson
Updated: Feb. 1, 2018
Originally Published: Feb. 1, 2018
As I monitored my daughter’s whereabouts through a tracking app on my phone, while simultaneously messaging my son about his school pickup, I couldn’t help but reflect on how vastly different my parenting journey is compared to my own parents. From advanced apps that notify us if our teens are driving recklessly to car seats that could secure an astronaut, today’s parenting landscape prioritizes safety in ways that were unimaginable back then.
It’s almost a miracle we made it through our childhoods unscathed. Drinking from a garden hose and being unsupervised while playing outside all day were just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some of the alarming practices from our parents’ era that have become total no-no’s in today’s world:
- Smoking and Drinking During Pregnancy
While my mother didn’t smoke, I vividly recall going to friends’ homes where pregnant mothers would casually puff on cigarettes. The idea of consuming alcohol while expecting was also commonplace. Now, the dangers of such habits are well-documented, making it shocking to think this was once socially accepted. I remember ordering a glass of wine just days before delivering my second child and being chastised by the waitress. “My mom did it too,” I wanted to say. - Unrestrained Backseat Riding
My siblings and I often occupied the back of our family’s station wagon, much to the annoyance of drivers behind us. Today, I drive my children in an SUV equipped with airbags and safety belts, grateful we survived our childhood adventures without any major incidents. I sometimes glance in the rearview mirror and recall those carefree days with a hint of nostalgia. - Lack of Car Seats and Seat Belts
In those days, kids would often sit on a parent’s lap in the front seat, or roam freely in the back. The concept of a child securely strapped in was unheard of. Imagining a baby sitting on a lap during a drive today is unfathomable. #TheMoreYouKnow - Secondhand Smoke Exposure
My father was a heavy smoker, and I have fond memories of him puffing his pipe in our family room. The research on secondhand smoke wasn’t available back then, and I shudder to think about how much I inhaled. - Raw Cookie Dough Consumption
I admit it; I still enjoy sneaking bites of cookie dough because I feel rebellious. Salmonella? Who cares! Some habits clearly die hard. - Left Alone at Home
We were the original latchkey kids, returning home to empty houses for hours while our parents worked. We might ride our bikes or hang out at the park, with no one knowing our whereabouts. If only they knew we were “running with scissors” most of the time. But we turned out okay, right? Mostly. - Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Seriously, what were our parents thinking? It’s shocking to realize that this was a common practice without a second thought. - Helmet-Free Adventures
Whether biking down the street or skiing in our vibrant snowsuits, helmets were seldom worn. I can’t count the number of times I fell and hit my head. Although parenting in the past seemed more carefree, I’m grateful my kids are required to wear helmets. - Crib Safety Hazards
My younger siblings turned their cribs into playgrounds, often climbing in and out while my mother was unaware. The cribs were filled with blankets and pillows, which we now know pose serious risks to infants. Looking back, it’s astonishing that we slept in such perilous setups.
While our parents may argue that we are overprotecting our children, just because we survived those reckless practices doesn’t mean we emerged unscathed. I fully expect my kids to hold me accountable for my own parenting mistakes two decades from now. Hopefully, by then, we’ll have perfected a safe way to indulge in cookie dough!
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Summary
This article highlights nine outdated parenting practices that are now deemed unacceptable due to increased safety awareness and research. From smoking during pregnancy to unrestrained children in vehicles, the evolution of parenting reflects changing societal norms and a greater understanding of child safety.