15 Parenting Styles That Would Spark Outrage Today
These old-school parenting methods would cause a stir if used now.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Parenting has changed a lot over the years. Some things parents used to do are now seen as harsh or even dangerous. This list shows 15 parenting styles that were once normal but would upset people today. They remind us how much ideas about raising kids have shifted.
1. Letting Babies Sleep on Their Stomachs
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Decades ago, placing babies on their stomachs to sleep was standard practice. However, modern research links this position to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), leading to current recommendations.
2. Letting Kids “Cry It Out” Without Limits
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The “cry it out” method, where infants are left to cry themselves to sleep, was once considered effective. Today, many experts advocate for responsive parenting, emphasizing the importance of comforting children to build emotional security.
3. Feeding Babies Honey or Sugary Foods Early On
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In the past, giving babies honey or sugary treats was common. However, honey can contain harmful bacteria, leading to infant botulism, and early sugar exposure is linked to dental issues, making these practices inadvisable today.
4. Public Shaming as a Discipline Tool
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Publicly shaming children for misbehavior, such as making them wear signs, was once used as a disciplinary tactic. Modern psychology recognizes this as emotionally damaging, advocating for private, constructive conversations instead.
5. Letting Kids Ride Without Seatbelts and Child Car Seats
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In the 1970s, it was common for children to ride in cars without seatbelts or proper restraints. Today, strict laws mandate the use of seatbelts and child car seats to ensure safety.
6. Letting Kids Roam Without Supervision
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Previously, children often played outside unsupervised for hours. Modern parenting emphasizes supervision and safety, with many parents using technology to keep track of their children’s whereabouts.
7. Insisting on Absolute Respect for Authority
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The phrase “because I said so” epitomized a time when questioning authority was discouraged. Contemporary parenting encourages open dialogue, teaching children to think critically and express themselves respectfully.
8. Zero Screen-Time Limits
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In the past, children often watched television without restrictions. Today, excessive screen time is linked to attention issues and poor sleep, leading to recommendations for limited and supervised media consumption.
9. Shutting Down Tough Emotions
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Phrases like “stop crying” were commonly used to dismiss children’s emotions. Modern approaches emphasize validating feelings and teaching emotional regulation for better mental health outcomes.
10. Using Strict or Traditional Discipline
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Traditional discipline often involved physical punishment and rigid rules. Contemporary parenting focuses on empathy, logical consequences, and restorative practices to guide behavior.
11. Helicopter Parenting
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Helicopter parenting involves excessive oversight of children’s lives, potentially hindering their independence. Current perspectives advocate for a balance between guidance and autonomy to foster resilience.
12. Tiger Parenting
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Tiger parenting emphasizes strict discipline and high academic expectations, often at the expense of emotional well-being. Modern approaches suggest a more balanced method that supports both achievement and mental health.
13. Attachment Parenting
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Attachment parenting focuses on close physical and emotional bonds, sometimes leading to extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping. While promoting connection, it’s important to balance with fostering independence.
14. Free-Range Parenting
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Free-range parenting encourages independence by allowing children to explore with minimal supervision. While promoting self-reliance, it raises concerns about safety and age-appropriate boundaries.
15. Poisonous Pedagogy
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Poisonous pedagogy refers to rigid and punitive educational methods that suppress individuality. Modern education emphasizes supportive environments that nurture creativity and critical thinking.