Remember when we were kids?

There was a sense of freedom that seems almost alien in today’s ultra-protective parenting world.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Safety is paramount, and it’s wonderful that we’re more conscious about children’s well-being than ever before.

But there’s something to be said about the level of independence that was common for kids growing up in the 70s.

As a society, we’ve shifted dramatically in our perception of what is considered safe for children to do on their own. Often, looking back at some of the things we did as children can leave us both nostalgic and slightly horrified.

So buckle up, because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane to explore seven things that were completely normal for kids in the 70s to do alone – things that would likely give parents today a minor heart attack.

This isn’t about passing judgment or glorifying recklessness. It’s about understanding how times have changed and appreciating the resilience and resourcefulness these experiences may have instilled in us.

After all, aren’t we all a product of our experiences?

It might even make you question: are we doing our kids a disservice by overprotecting them? Or are we simply adjusting to the demands of a different era? Let’s dive into it!

1) Riding bikes without helmets

If you were a kid in the 70s, you might remember the thrill of riding your bike around the neighborhood without a care in the world – and without a helmet.

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and not a shred of protective gear in sight. It was just you, your bike, and the open road.

It’s hard to imagine that today. Now, we wouldn’t dream of letting our kids out on their bikes without a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads – basically looking like they’re ready for a gladiator match.

While it’s great that we’re more aware of safety now, there’s something to be said about the carefree joy of those helmet-less bike rides.

Of course, we’re not suggesting we throw all caution to the wind – just reminiscing about a simpler time when kids were trusted to make their own judgement calls on safety.

Interesting how times change, isn’t it?

2) Coming home when the street lights came on

This one hits close to home for me.

Back in my childhood days, I remember my mom used to tell me, “Be back by the time the street lights come on.” And that was it. There were no cell phones to check-in, no tracking apps, or detailed itineraries of my whereabouts.

I’d spend hours outside with my friends, exploring the neighborhood, playing in parks, or simply lazing around under the sun. It was a time of discovery, of independence, and most importantly – it was our time.

The rule was simple: when the street lights flickered on, it was time to head home. And we did.

Today, such a lack of oversight would be unthinkable for most parents. The thought of not knowing exactly where your child is or what they’re up to seems daunting. But back then, it was just another part of growing up.

Times certainly have changed, haven’t they?

3) Hitchhiking to get around

Here’s something to raise your eyebrows: kids hitchhiking.

Not even for an adventurous summer road trip or anything like that, but just to get to school or the local swimming pool.

Hard to believe, isn’t it? But back in the day, it was a common sight to see a bunch of kids thumbing a ride on the side of the road. And what’s more, people often stopped and gave them a lift!

It was like an unspoken community agreement. Kids needed a ride, and kind drivers were happy to help out.

Try picturing that today! It’s practically unthinkable. In our era of caution and stranger danger, the thought of children getting into cars with unfamiliar adults is enough to send shivers down any parent’s spine.

But that’s how it was – an entirely different era where trust wasn’t as scarce as it is today. Fascinating, isn’t it?

4) Staying home alone

Home Alone wasn’t just a popular movie in the 90s. It was an actual scenario for many kids in the 70s.

Whether it was because parents were working or running errands, it wasn’t uncommon for kids to be left at home alone.

We would make our own sandwiches, entertain ourselves, and sort out our squabbles without adult intervention.

The house rules were simple: don’t open the door to strangers, don’t play with fire, and no fighting. We were trusted to follow them.

Today, the thought of leaving a child unsupervised at home can cause panic. But back then, it was seen as a way to foster independence and resourcefulness in kids.

It’s surprising how quickly societal norms can shift, isn’t it?

5) Walking or biking to school alone

Remember the days when the school run involved actual running? Or at least, a brisk walk or bike ride.

That’s right. In the 70s, many kids were trusted to make their own way to school. Sometimes it was a solo journey, other times a small parade of neighborhood kids making the trek together.

Not only was this a practical solution for working parents, but it also encouraged self-reliance and a sense of adventure in us.

Compare that to today where, according to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, the percentage of kids walking or biking to school has dropped from 48% in 1969 to just 13% in 2009.

Hard to imagine, isn’t it? How the once common practice of walking or biking to school alone now seems like a daring feat. Quite a shift, wouldn’t you agree?

6) Being the neighborhood’s babysitter

Here’s something that might tug at your heartstrings a little.

In the 70s, it was not uncommon for kids as young as 12 or 13 to babysit their younger siblings or other kids in the neighborhood.

Sure, it was a great way to earn some pocket money, but it was also a rite of passage.

It taught us responsibility, empathy, and how to deal with unpredictable situations (like calming down a crying toddler or making sure everyone got their dinner on time).

Today, the idea of entrusting a 12-year-old with such responsibility might be unsettling for many parents. Babysitting is now a job largely left to adults or much older teens with a slew of qualifications.

But let’s not forget the valuable life lessons we learned from these experiences. In caring for others, we learned to care for ourselves – a lesson that has undoubtedly served us well throughout our lives.

Time really does change everything, doesn’t it?

7) Playing without constant supervision

Perhaps the most significant difference between the childhood of the 70s and today is the amount of unsupervised playtime we enjoyed.

Whether it was climbing trees, building forts, or just running wild in the great outdoors, our playtime was our own. It was unstructured, imaginative, and yes, even a bit risky at times. But it was also incredibly freeing.

Today, the concept of unsupervised play has largely been replaced by structured activities and constant adult supervision.

While these have their own merits, they also rob children of the chance to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them on their own.

It’s food for thought: perhaps there’s something to be said for a little less supervision and a little more freedom in a child’s life.

Reflecting on the past

As we look back at these seven things that were common for kids in the 70s, it’s clear that times have changed.

What was once considered normal would likely be met with disbelief today. But instead of gasping at the recklessness of the past, perhaps there’s something to be gleaned from this nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The 70s may have been a time of lesser supervision and greater independence for children, but it was also a period that nurtured resilience, resourcefulness, and self-reliance.

While we must absolutely ensure the safety and well-being of our children, let’s not forget the value of unstructured play, exploration, and learning from one’s own mistakes.

As we navigate through the complexities of parenting in today’s world, let’s take a moment to reflect.

Are we striking the right balance between protection and independence? Are we fostering a sense of adventure while ensuring safety?

Food for thought, isn’t it?

We don’t have all the answers. But one thing’s for sure – reflecting on the past can often offer valuable insights for the present and future.