If you grew up in the ’60s or ’70s, you probably did things that would leave your kids absolutely speechless today. Riding in cars without seatbelts, playing outside until the streetlights came on, or making a call on a rotary phone—none of it feels that wild until you try explaining it to someone born after Wi-Fi.
Back then, life was looser, louder, and way less supervised—and somehow, we survived it. Here are 13 things you did without a second thought that would completely blow your kids’ minds now.
1. Went Out All Day Without Telling Your Parents Where
Back in the day, you’d leave the house after breakfast and not return until the streetlights came on. Your parents didn’t bat an eye—they trusted that you’d make it back in one piece. There were no cell phones, no tracking apps, and no panic if you didn’t check in every hour. You just roamed the neighborhood, rode bikes, and explored woods without a care in the world. According to The New York Times, modern parenting norms have shifted significantly toward more supervision and less freedom.
Try explaining that to kids today, who can’t go to the park without at least one parent hovering nearby. It’s not that parents didn’t care—they just had a different level of trust and expectation. Looking back, it’s almost unbelievable how much freedom you had. These days, letting a kid out of sight for ten minutes is enough to cause a parental meltdown.
2. Hitchhiked A Ride With Strangers
Need a lift? Just stick your thumb out, and some friendly stranger would give you a ride. Whether it was to a friend’s house, a concert, or just across town, hitchhiking was surprisingly common and not seen as particularly dangerous. You didn’t worry about who was behind the wheel—you just appreciated the ride. According to The Atlantic, hitchhiking has dramatically decreased since the 1970s due to safety concerns and cultural changes.
Nowadays, the idea of getting into a car with a random person sounds like a plot for a true crime podcast. Back then, it was just how you got from point A to point B when public transportation wasn’t an option. Your kids can’t even imagine it, especially in an era when ridesharing apps still make people nervous.
3. Had A Neighborhood “Phone Tree” For Emergencies
Before cell phones and emergency alert systems, neighbors relied on the good old phone tree. One person would call two people, those two would call two more, and so on, until everyone knew what was going on. Whether it was a storm warning or a neighborhood meeting, it was the most efficient way to spread the word. According to Reader’s Digest, phone trees were an essential method of community communication before the digital age.
Kids today wouldn’t know where to start. They’re used to group texts and instant alerts on their phones, not dialing multiple numbers just to get the message out. It was a little chaotic, but it worked. Plus, it kept everyone in the loop without needing to rely on technology. It was community communication at its finest.
4. Smoked Cigarettes Indoors
Smoking in the house, the car, restaurants—pretty much everywhere—was just part of life. Whether it was your parents lighting up in the living room or a cloud of smoke hanging over the local diner, no one really thought twice about it. Ashtrays were as common as salt and pepper shakers, and nobody questioned it. According to CDC, indoor smoking was once widely accepted but is now linked to significant health risks.
Now, it’s hard to imagine how anyone tolerated it, let alone how it was considered normal. You couldn’t escape the smell or the haze, and the idea of a “smoking section” seems ridiculous in hindsight. Explaining this to your kids makes it sound like you lived in a perpetual fog—and honestly, you kind of did.
5. Spent Hours At A Record Store Listening To Music
The local record shop was a social hub where you could spend entire afternoons flipping through albums, chatting with other music lovers, and listening to new releases. You didn’t just stream a song from your phone—you had to physically go somewhere to discover new music. And if you found a record you loved, you saved up your allowance to take it home. According to Rolling Stone, record stores served as cultural hubs where people connected over their love of music.
Kids today have no concept of this kind of commitment. With streaming platforms offering instant access, the idea of spending hours just browsing seems outdated. But there was something special about that slow, intentional process. You didn’t just stumble upon music—you sought it out and savored every track.
6. Played With Mercury And Lead
If a thermometer broke, you didn’t panic—you played with the little silver beads of mercury, watching them roll around on the floor. Chemistry sets even came with small amounts of potentially harmful substances, and no one seemed particularly concerned. Safety protocols? Not really a thing.
These days, even a hint of lead or mercury triggers a full-scale environmental cleanup. Back then, it was just another cool science experiment. You didn’t know better, and neither did your parents. Looking back, it’s honestly a miracle anyone made it through without major health issues.
7. Rode Bikes Without Helmets Down Gravel Roads
If you were lucky enough to have a bike, you rode it everywhere—without any protective gear. Helmets weren’t just uncommon—they were practically nonexistent. You’d race down gravel roads at top speed, wipe out occasionally, and just brush off the dirt and keep going.
Today, parents wouldn’t dream of letting their kids ride without a helmet, and gravel roads are considered a hazard in themselves. But back then, it was all part of the adventure. You came home scraped and bruised, but you didn’t think twice about it. Falling down was just part of the deal.
8. Answered The Door To Strangers
The doorbell ringing didn’t send everyone into panic mode—it was just a normal part of the day. Whether it was a neighbor stopping by, a salesperson, or even a complete stranger, you answered without hesitation. Your parents didn’t worry about who was on the other side.
Nowadays, a knock at the door without a text warning sends people into detective mode. Kids are taught never to open the door without checking who it is first. Back then, you just greeted whoever showed up. It wasn’t considered risky—it was just neighborly.
9. Mowed Strangers’ Lawns For Extra Cash
If you wanted pocket money back in the day, you didn’t wait for an allowance—you went out and earned it. One of the most common ways to do this was by mowing lawns, often for people you didn’t even know. You’d go door-to-door with your push mower, offering your services for a few bucks. No fancy contracts or online reviews—just a handshake and some elbow grease.
Today, the idea of letting a kid handle yard work for a stranger seems risky, but back then, it was just being entrepreneurial. Your parents encouraged it because it taught you the value of hard work. Plus, it gave you a taste of independence. Kids today might think it’s wild, but to you, it was just a practical way to earn some money for records or candy.
10. Had To Use An Encyclopedia To Do Homework
When a school project called for research, you didn’t just hop on the internet—you cracked open the family set of encyclopedias. They were often outdated, but that didn’t matter. You’d flip through the massive volumes, taking notes by hand, and hoping your teacher wouldn’t notice that the information was a bit behind the times.
Explaining this to your kids now feels like telling a story from the Stone Age. They can’t imagine not having instant access to updated facts and figures. Encyclopedias were expensive, too, so families took pride in owning a full set. Those heavy, dust-covered books were a sign of commitment to learning, even if the information wasn’t always the freshest.
11. Went Door-to-Door Selling Things For School
School fundraisers were no joke—you’d be out there, pounding the pavement, selling cookies, raffle tickets, or candy bars to anyone who would listen. Your parents encouraged it because it built character and taught you how to handle rejection. You didn’t think twice about knocking on a stranger’s door to make your pitch.
These days, schools are more cautious about sending kids out on their own, and most fundraising happens online or through organized events. But back then, it was just a part of growing up. You learned how to be polite, make eye contact, and deal with the occasional grumpy neighbor. Plus, it gave you a taste of salesmanship—skills that still come in handy.
12. Called Radio Stations To Request Songs
Before playlists and instant downloads, you had to call your local radio station if you wanted to hear your favorite song. You’d wait on hold, hoping the DJ would take your request. If they played your song, it was like a small victory, and you’d feel a weird sense of pride knowing that everyone else was listening to your pick.
Your kids would probably be baffled by the effort it took just to hear a tune. Now they just pull it up on their phone with a tap. But back then, it was a social experience—you’d call with your friends, debate which song to choose, and wait eagerly for that shoutout. It wasn’t instant gratification, but that made it all the more special.
13. Went Swimming In Random Ponds
If it was hot out and there was a body of water nearby, you didn’t worry about cleanliness or safety—you just jumped in. Whether it was a pond, creek, or abandoned quarry, you made it your swimming hole for the day. You didn’t think about bacteria or hidden rocks—it was just refreshing, spontaneous fun.
These days, parents would have a heart attack thinking about all the risks, but back then, it was just part of summer. You didn’t have pools on every block, so nature provided. You’d come home muddy, sunburned, and happy, without giving a thought to the potential dangers lurking below the surface.
