16 Things That Used to Be Considered “Normal” for Kids

Take a nostalgic trip through childhood norms of the past that would raise eyebrows today.

Chris Graciano
May 28, 2025
4 min read

16 Things That Used to Be Considered “Normal” for Kids — Alexander Dummer on Pexels

Times have changed, and so have parenting styles, cultural expectations, and what we consider safe or appropriate for kids. This article revisits 16 once-normal aspects of growing up that now seem outdated — or downright shocking. From unsupervised adventures to questionable toys, discover the childhood habits that defined previous generations.

1. Riding in Cars Without Seat Belts

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Before seatbelt laws were enforced, children often rode in the backseat or even the front, completely unbuckled. Some even lounged in the rear window or stood up while the car was moving.

2. Smoking Around Kids

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Parents, teachers, and even doctors used to smoke in front of kids without a second thought. It wasn’t uncommon for a child to sit in a smoke-filled room or ride in a car with the windows rolled up.

3. Drinking Water from the Hose

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Every summer afternoon involved grabbing a quick drink from the garden hose. Nobody worried about bacteria or toxins in the rubber tubing.

4. Playing Outside Until the Streetlights Came On

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Kids roamed neighborhoods for hours with no phone and no check-ins. Parents trusted kids to find their way home by dusk.

5. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks

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Whether heading to a football game or the local diner, piling into the open bed of a pickup was totally normal. There were no seats, no belts — just wind in your face and bugs in your teeth.

6. Being Left Alone at Home at a Young Age

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Latchkey kids often came home from school to an empty house and took care of themselves until evening. They knew how to make snacks, avoid strangers, and maybe even do laundry.

7. Using Metal Playgrounds

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Giant metal slides and see-saws baked under the hot sun were the norm at parks. Burns and bruises were badges of honor.

8. Saying “Yes Sir” and “No Ma’am” Without Question

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Respect for adults was taught early and enforced strictly. Talking back wasn’t an option, and kids addressed elders with formal titles. It wasn’t just polite — it was expected.

9. Going Anywhere with a Note from a Parent

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A handwritten note could excuse almost anything: leaving school, buying cigarettes, or renting a movie. Clerks and teachers rarely questioned it.

10. Watching Scary or Inappropriate Movies at a Young Age

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Many kids saw horror flicks or R-rated comedies before they hit their teens. Parental guidance was often minimal or nonexistent.

11. Wearing No Helmets While Biking or Skating

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Kids flew down the street on bikes, skateboards, and rollerblades with zero protective gear. Skinned knees and elbow scrapes were expected.

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In the name of saving time and hot water, siblings often bathed together. Privacy was less of a priority, and resources mattered more.

13. Corporal Punishment at School

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Teachers and principals could legally spank students for misbehavior. The paddle wasn’t just a myth — it hung on the wall in plain sight.

14. Eating TV Dinners on Trays While Watching Shows

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Dinner wasn’t always at the table. Many families embraced “TV time” with prepackaged meals in foil trays. Shows like The Brady Bunch or Cheers kept everyone entertained.

15. Playing with “Dangerous” Toys

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Lawn darts, chemistry sets with real chemicals, and BB guns were standard fare. Supervision was rare, and instructions were optional. Injuries happened — but that was part of the fun.

16. Wearing Hand-Me-Downs Without Shame