There’s a pretty big gap between baby boomer parenting practices and the way things are done today.

Boomer parents had their own unique way of raising kids, thinking they were doing it right. But some of those methods, if we’re being frank, just wouldn’t cut it in today’s world.

Talking about these practices isn’t meant to point fingers or blame. Rather, it’s to highlight the evolution of parenting, emphasizing how we’ve grown in our understanding of what really works for children.

So here we go, let’s dive into the 7 boomer parenting practices that just wouldn’t fly today.

1) Spare the rod, spoil the child

There’s a saying that boomer parents often used: “Spare the rod, spoil the child”. Basically, it meant that physical discipline was not just acceptable, but necessary.

However, this approach doesn’t really align with our current understanding of child development. In fact, studies have shown that physical discipline can lead to aggression, antisocial behavior, and mental health problems later in life.

It’s a clear example of old-school parenting that doesn’t fit in today’s world. Today, we understand the importance of communication and setting boundaries without resorting to physical punishment.

While it might have been commonplace in the past, this boomer parenting practice simply wouldn’t fly today.

We’ve come a long way in understanding how to effectively guide children towards good behavior – and it doesn’t involve any rods.

2) Children should be seen and not heard

I remember a time when I was a child, at a family gathering. My boomer parents, like many others, believed in the old adage: “Children should be seen and not heard”.

This meant that children were expected to stay quiet, especially when adults were talking. It didn’t matter if you had something important to say or if you simply wanted to join the conversation. You had to wait until it was ‘your turn’ to speak.

Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that this approach no longer holds water. We now understand the importance of encouraging children to express their thoughts and feelings.

Communication is a vital life skill and it’s something that needs to be nurtured from a young age.

So, while my parents might have meant well, this boomer parenting practice just wouldn’t fly today. In our modern world, we strive to raise children who are confident communicators, not silent observers.

3) Letting kids roam freely

In the days of boomer parents, kids were often shooed out of the house after breakfast and told not to come back until dinner. This level of freedom and independence was viewed as part of growing up.

However, in today’s world, the idea of children playing unsupervised for hours on end can raise eyebrows. This shift isn’t just due to over-cautious parenting or the rise of structured play.

Crime statistics show that incidents involving children have increased over the years, making safety a genuine concern.

Hence, this boomer parenting practice doesn’t quite fit in today’s picture. The focus has shifted towards ensuring children’s safety and well-being even while fostering their independence.

4) One-size-fits-all parenting

Boomer parents generally followed a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Whether it was discipline, schooling, or setting routines, they often used the same strategies for all their kids.

But as we’ve learned more about child psychology, we’ve realized that each child is unique. What works for one may not work for another.

Parenting now is more about understanding individual needs and adjusting our approach accordingly.

So, the one-size-fits-all parenting method of the boomers? That’s another practice that just wouldn’t fly today.

We’ve learned to celebrate the individuality of each child and tailor our parenting techniques to suit their unique needs and personalities.

5) Lack of emotional openness

Growing up, my boomer parents, like many others of their generation, weren’t particularly open about their feelings. Emotional discussions were rare and the phrase “I love you” was seldom heard.

In retrospect, this wasn’t because they didn’t care. It was simply how they were raised – to be stoic and keep their emotions to themselves.

Today, we recognize the importance of emotional openness in parenting. Expressing love, discussing feelings, and showing vulnerability are seen as essential for fostering strong parent-child relationships.

This is a big shift from the boomer parenting style and is yet another practice that wouldn’t fly today.

We now understand that emotional openness helps children grow into well-rounded individuals who are comfortable expressing their own emotions.

6) “Because I said so”

Remember the times when your boomer parent ended a discussion with “Because I said so”? This phrase was the ultimate conversation stopper, used to assert authority rather than engage in meaningful dialogue.

Today, we recognize that this approach doesn’t encourage critical thinking or problem-solving skills. Instead, it shuts down communication and discourages children from asking questions.

In the era of Google and information at our fingertips, this boomer parenting practice just wouldn’t fly today.

We now encourage curiosity and understanding, fostering a learning environment where questions are welcomed, not dismissed.

7) Overemphasis on obedience

Boomer parents placed a high value on obedience. Children were expected to follow rules without question, with the belief that this would prepare them for the real world.

But what we’ve come to understand is that this approach can stifle creativity and individuality. It’s more beneficial to raise children who are independent thinkers, rather than just rule followers.

This boomer parenting practice wouldn’t fly today. We now aim to cultivate resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in children, rather than mere obedience.

Final thoughts: It’s about evolution

The transformation in parenting practices from the boomer generation to now isn’t just about societal changes, it’s also about evolution.

Evolution in understanding, learning, and adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of raising children.

As we look back at these seven boomer parenting practices that wouldn’t fly today, it’s not about criticizing or belittling the past generation.

Rather, it’s about recognizing how far we’ve come in our understanding of child development and parenting.

Just as every era has its unique challenges and breakthroughs, each generation of parents does the best they can with what they know and understand at the time.

So as we move forward, let’s continue to learn, adapt, and evolve. Who knows what future generations will say about our parenting practices?

The only certainty is that parenting will continue to evolve, shaped by our collective experiences and understanding.