Top 12+ Parenting Practices That Were Normal Then But Would Get CPS Called Now

Parenting has changed dramatically since the 1950s and 60s. What we considered normal child-rearing practices back then would likely result in a visit from Child Protective Services today. While we all survived and even thrived under these methods, it’s fascinating to look back at how different parenting standards were just a few generations ago.

1. Kids Riding in Car Trunks

Station wagons were family cars, and the “way back” was considered prime real estate for kids. No seat belts, no safety features – just a wide-open space where children would roll around during turns. During long trips, kids would even make beds back there with pillows and blankets.

2. Unsupervised Neighborhood Roaming

Children would leave after breakfast and return when the streetlights came on. No cell phones, no check-ins – just an understanding that you’d be somewhere in the neighborhood. Parents had no idea where their kids were for hours at a time, and that was completely normal.

3. Sending Kids to Buy Cigarettes

Parents regularly sent children to the store with a note to buy cigarettes. Store owners would happily sell them to kids as young as seven or eight, as long as they had that parental note. Some stores even kept lists of which brands different parents preferred.

4. Babies Sleeping in Drawers

When cribs weren’t available or affordable, parents would simply empty out a drawer, add some blankets, and create a makeshift bed. This was especially common in apartments where space was limited. Nobody thought twice about using furniture drawers as baby beds.

5. Physical Discipline in Public

Spanking or other forms of physical discipline were commonly administered in public places, such as stores or restaurants. Other adults would often nod approvingly, seeing it as responsible parenting. The phrase “wait until your father gets home” carried real weight.

6. Kids in Pickup Truck Beds

Riding in the back of pickup trucks was standard practice, especially in rural areas. Kids would sit on the wheel wells or lean against the cab, with no safety measures whatsoever. Long highway trips were often made this way, regardless of the weather.

7. Babies in Bar Areas

Parents would bring babies to bars and taverns, setting car seats on the bar while they socialized. Some establishments even had regular “family nights” where children were welcome. The line between adult venues and family spaces was much blurrier.

8. Unattended Car Children

Leaving kids in the car while shopping was standard practice. Windows would be cracked open, and children might wait for an hour or more while parents ran errands. Some stores even had designated parking areas where employees would keep an eye on cars with waiting children.

9. Secondhand Smoke Exposure

Parents smoked freely around children – in cars with windows up, during meals, while reading bedtime stories. Doctors even smoked during pediatric appointments. The idea that secondhand smoke could be harmful wasn’t widely accepted until much later.

10. Unsupervised Tool Use

Children as young as six or seven were often allowed to use power tools, lawn mowers, and other dangerous equipment unsupervised. It was seen as important for developing responsibility and practical skills. Accidents were considered learning experiences.

11. Hitchhiking to School

In rural areas, it was common for kids to hitchhike to school or activities. Parents would encourage children to thumb rides from strangers, believing the community would look out for its young. Some areas even had designated pickup spots for school-bound hitchhikers.

12. Medication Without Consultation

Parents regularly gave children adult medications, cutting pills in half, or estimating doses without medical consultation. Aspirin, cold medicines, and even prescription medications were administered based on general guidelines or neighborhood advice. The concept of pediatric dosing was much less strict.