17 Childhood Experiences People Now Realize Weren’t So Normal After All
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Childhood is a time of innocence and wonder. Looking back at our childhoods, there are often moments that seemed perfectly normal at the time but now, with the wisdom of adulthood, reveal themselves as anything but. Many adults, according to statistics, recount unusual events from their early years that didn’t fit the norm.
“It’s fascinating how experiences we grow up considering ‘normal’ can reveal so much about diverse backgrounds and social dynamics,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a psychologist specializing in childhood development. Here are 17 childhood experiences people now realize weren’t so normal after all.
Drinking from the Garden Hose
Who needed bottled water when you had a perfectly good garden hose? It tasted a bit rubbery, sure, but it was refreshingly cold. It turns out that not everyone considers this a typical hydration method.
Nowadays, the thought of kids drinking untreated hose water sends chills down parental spines.
Parentification of Household Chores
We were often assigned household tasks at an early age, like doing laundry or cooking dinner. It seemed normal back then, but now we realize it may have been too much responsibility for a young child.
It’s important to teach children responsibility and life skills, but experts recommend delegating appropriate household chores based on age and ability.
Sharing a Single Computer with the Whole Family
Before laptops, tablets, and smartphones were common, people shared a computer at home. The computers had to be used in rotations for homework or game playing between siblings, which sometimes led to fights over who got the computer.
Every member of the family now owns a device, and there is no more sharing. It’s hard to imagine surviving with just one desktop computer in this digital world.
Not Enough Affection and Praise
Parents might have been less worried about affection and appreciation in the past than just taking care of their children’s basic needs. This was often because they were unaware of the role that emotional nurture plays in a child’s growth.
Thankfully, today’s parenting practices emphasize love, care, and encouragement for children. We know that expressing love and affirmation is powerful in building a child’s self-confidence and well-being. Families are encouraged to demonstrate affection overtly and consistently.
Drinking Coffee as a Kid
Coffee might be part of most adult lives, and it wasn’t odd for adults to give it to kids then. Most of us reminisce fondly of taking sips of our parents’ coffee like adults, with that unpleasant taste in our mouths.
We didn’t discover, growing up, that it’s so weird for children to be drinking something that adults drink. There isn’t anything toxic about moderate caffeine intake for kids, but the amount of caffeine should be kept in check and limited in the child’s diet.
Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
There was nothing like the wind in your hair and bugs in your teeth. The feeling of freedom while riding in the back of a moving pickup truck was the coolest thing.
Safety regulations? What were those? This is illegal in most states these days for safety reasons. This would be met with a huge fine or call to Child Protective Services.
Eating Raw Cookie Dough
Baking cookies was always a fun activity as a kid, but the best part was licking the spoon and eating raw cookie dough; salmonella risk be damned. It seemed harmless then, but now we know better.
Using uncooked eggs in cookie dough can give you food poisoning, so wait until after they bake before you get your hands in the sugar high.
Making Mud Pies and Eating Them
Who needed toys when you had a backyard full of dirt? Creating mud pies in the backyard and pretending they were a gourmet delicacy was a favorite pastime. A little dirt never hurt anyone, right?
But looking back, parents frown at the sight of all those germs and bacteria. It’s essential that children learn cleanliness and hygiene.
Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons All Day Long
Saturday mornings were reserved for cereal, pajamas, and cartoons galore. There was no better feeling than waking up early for a cartoon marathon. We could watch TV for hours and not feel guilty about it.
Children can now consume content whenever they want and no longer need to do the Saturday cartoon ritual. Screen time is restricted for children because it has a negative effect on their physical and psychological development.
Using Encyclopedias for Homework
Before Google, there were encyclopedias. These hefty volumes were the go-to source for research and homework. We would dust off encyclopedias for schoolwork and mine the long scrolls for facts.
It gave some solid research abilities, but today we’re grateful for the efficiency of search engines. Our children might find it hard to imagine a world without instant information.
Left in the Car While Parents Shopped
Back before, child safety laws were not as strict as they are now; it was pretty common to be left in the car while parents ran errands. Today’s world is much more conscious about the potential dangers, with increased awareness about the risks of heatstroke and abductive threats.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stresses that a car’s temperature can rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, a blistering statistic that underscores the severity of leaving children unattended in vehicles. Leaving kids in the car while you shop is a memory reclining comfortably in the past.
No Seatbelts, No Problem
Seatbelts were a recommendation, not an obligation. Most of us used to roll around in the backseat like nobody’s business. Cars weren’t always regulated with seatbelts in the back.
It’s a wonder how we survived those bumpy rides without modern safety features. The CDC reported that seatbelt use has increased from 11% in 1980 to nearly 49% over a decade and 90% today. Good thing we’ve buckled down on safety!
Staying Home Alone at a Young Age
Being home alone was like a rite of passage. Many of us stayed home alone well before age 12, making our own snacks and mastering the art of solo entertainment. The first time your parents entrusted you to take care of yourself and maybe some siblings for an evening, it felt like a huge accomplishment.
The idea of leaving young children unattended today is met with concerned looks and questions about responsible parenting. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents consider allowing their child to stay home alone at age 11 or 12, as long as it’s during the day and no more than three hours.
Wearing Hand-Me-Downs
Growing up, wearing clothes that your older siblings had outgrown was just part of life. Being dressed in used clothing or having outdated fashion may not have been seen as embarrassing by kids back then.
Kids now have more options to express their personal style without breaking the bank. Thrifting and upcycling are all the rage, making hand-me-downs a trendy alternative to fast fashion. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Playing in the Street Until the Streetlights Came On
For many of us, the streetlamps served as the perfect clock. It was safe to roam around until the streetlights went out, and when they did, you knew it was time to get home. It felt like such liberation then.
You can’t imagine children today being as free without the GPS locator and several frantic texts from their mom. Research by One Poll showed that only 27% of children today play outside daily, compared to 71% of the baby boomer generation.
Being Punished Harshly for Misbehavior
The phrase “spare the rod, spoil the child” was taken quite literally in many households. Spankings and other forms of corporal punishment were not uncommon for misbehaving children.
Research has shown that physical punishment can have serious negative effects on a child’s development and health. Time-outs and positive reinforcement are now considered more effective methods of discipline.
Smoking Candy Cigarettes
Yes, you read that right. Candy cigarettes were a thing, and somehow, it was socially acceptable to pretend to smoke as a child.
Today, these would be seen as wildly inappropriate and send the wrong message.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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