15 Childhood Routines That Don’t Exist Anymore
Here's a nostalgic look at everyday childhood routines from past decades that have quietly disappeared in the age of technology and convenience.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Childhood in the pre-digital era was filled with small but memorable routines that shaped daily life. From waiting for Saturday morning cartoons to making mixtapes from the radio, these traditions created a sense of anticipation, connection, and adventure. Today, many of these habits have faded away, replaced by instant access, digital devices, and changing lifestyles.
1. Waiting for Saturday Morning Cartoons
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Before streaming and on-demand TV, kids had to wake up early on Saturdays to catch their favorite cartoons. It was a weekly ritual filled with cereal, pajamas, and hours of animated fun. Missing an episode meant waiting months or even years to see it again.
2. Renting VHS Tapes from the Video Store
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Families used to make weekly trips to local video rental shops to pick out movies. Kids would spend ages deciding between new releases or old favorites, knowing they had to rewind before returning them. The trip itself was often more exciting than the movie.
3. Walking to the Corner Store for Snacks
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Many kids had the freedom to walk to a nearby sari-sari store or corner shop to buy candies, chips, or soda. It was both an errand and a mini-adventure, especially when friends tagged along. Nowadays, snacks usually come from supermarkets or are delivered.
4. Flipping Through the Sears or Toy Catalog
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Before online shopping, kids would browse massive printed catalogs, circling toys they wanted for birthdays or Christmas. It was a form of daydreaming and wish-list making that built anticipation. The catalogs themselves became a holiday tradition in many households.
5. Recording Songs Off the Radio
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Kids and teens would sit by the radio with a cassette recorder, waiting to press “record” when their favorite song came on. Timing was everything to avoid capturing the DJ’s voice. These mixtapes were prized possessions and a way to share music with friends.
6. Using Payphones to Call Home
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When kids stayed late at school or were out with friends, they would use payphones to let parents know where they were. Memorizing phone numbers was a must. Today, mobile phones have made that skill almost obsolete.
7. Having a Family Photo Session at the Studio
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It was common for families to dress up and visit photography studios for formal portraits. These photos were proudly displayed at home or sent to relatives. Now, casual smartphone photos have replaced this ritual for most families.
8. Reading the Newspaper Comics Page
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Many kids looked forward to the Sunday paper’s colorful comics section. It was often the first part of the newspaper they grabbed. The habit has largely faded with the rise of online comics and social media feeds.
9. Waiting for Film to Be Developed
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Taking pictures meant waiting days or weeks to see the results. Kids would eagerly flip through photo envelopes from the drugstore, reliving memories with every print. Instant viewing has erased that sense of surprise.
10. Writing Letters to Pen Pals
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Some schools encouraged students to exchange letters with pen pals from other towns or countries. Waiting for a reply could take weeks, but it was exciting to learn about someone else’s life through handwritten words. Email and social media have replaced much of this slow-paced connection.
11. Making Mix CDs for Friends
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Before music streaming, kids would burn personalized CDs to share songs. It took time to select the perfect tracklist and decorate the CD case. Receiving one felt like a thoughtful gift rather than just a playlist link.
12. Going Door-to-Door to Find Friends
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Instead of texting, kids would walk to friends’ houses to see if they could play. This often turned into impromptu games in the street or park. Now, most hangouts are planned digitally rather than spontaneously.
13. Reading Books Under the Covers with a Flashlight
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Bedtime didn’t always stop determined young readers. Kids would hide under blankets with a flashlight to finish a chapter. The secret reading felt rebellious and magical at the same time.
14. Playing with TV Antennas for a Better Signal
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Before cable and digital TV, kids would fiddle with rabbit-ear antennas to clear up a fuzzy picture. It often involved holding them in a strange position while someone shouted from the couch if the image improved. Streaming services have made that quirky task unnecessary.
15. Collecting Stamps, Coins, or Trading Cards
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Hobby collecting was a common pastime, requiring patience and dedication. Kids would proudly display their collections to friends and swap items to complete sets. Many such hobbies have dwindled in popularity with digital entertainment taking center stage.