It’s always great when kids test out scientific experiments, but what isn’t okay is when these experiments can lead to super hazardous explosions. Like in the case of these old Gilbert Chemistry Sets.
These sets contained terribly flammable chemicals like ammonium nitrate – a chemical used in the creation of homemade bombs and potassium permanganate. Not so smart.
Kids Outside Unsupervised
When there were no video games, phones, computers, or ipads, kids had to seek fun in the world outside. And that's exactly what they did... all... the...time. Once a kid was let outside to play with their friends, parents wouldn't see them until dinner time.
Safety just didn't seem like a concern. Not because they didn't care about their kids, but because people felt that neighborhoods were safe back then. Kids were also mostly in groups or with older siblings so it seemed totally normal.
Community Parenting
With all the 'hands-on' parenting of today, no one would accept someone else telling them how to raise their kids. But in the '60s, parents from the community or neighborhood would have no issue disciplining someone else's child if necessary.
It was extremely common to see other kids' parents giving a little mischief-maker a good yelling, sometimes even a spanking. If that happened today, people would very quickly find themselves in a lawsuit.
Cycling Without Helmets
Kids were certainly not driven around by their mothers and fathers in the '60s. They either had to walk or cycle, and cycling was the popular choice for sure. Just about every father taught their kid how to ride a bicycle. If they fell and scraped their knees, too bad.
If they fell on their heads, you guessed it, they had to suck it up too. Helmets became popularised much later, in fact, if you were seen with a helmet, you were probably a giant dork.
The Draft
One thing about the 1960s that is now unheard of, was the military draft. Young men of 18 years old would be drafted into the army to fight some of the world's toughest wars.
Today Americans who are 19-26 still have to make sure they register with the Selective Service System. But, thankfully, the draft doesn't exist the way it used to. Let's hope it stays that way.