Toys back then were very strictly defined by genders. Everything blue or red that could shoot stuff, fight or move fast was for the boys and anything pink and soft was for the girls.
If a boy was caught playing with a doll, it wouldn’t have been so pleasant. Of course, there are still hang-ups as to which goes to who, but now there are certainly many toys that are for all kids.
Shabby Safety Belts and Car Seats
Today strapping in is like second nature. Our arms immediately reach for the seat belt and we buckle-in without a moment's thought. In fact, now, you could consider us well trained when it comes to car safety. Sadly, this wasn't always the case.
Back then kids would be flung to the back seat without any protective means. If you were an infant, you might have gotten a ride on mom's lap. We're not sure which is worse.
Childproofing Was Unheard of
The kids of today have it pretty cushy. There are many things in place, such as certain kinds of latches or childproof medicine bottle caps that prevent kids and especially infants from getting hurt.
Back then, if a baby wanted to play with the goods around the house, they were going to do it. Electrical sockets were there to play with until their heart's content. We suppose you could say it toughened them up a bit.
Fire Hydrant Showers
This was popular in urban areas and large cities. In fact, it was almost like the official policy that during the summertime, fire hydrants would be opened to blast sweaty kids after playing in the streets.
If city officials didn't do it, then parents or an older sibling would surely do it. This way, all the neighborhood kids could get a spritz of water to cool them down. While it sounds like fun, as you might have guessed, that water wasn't always the best quality.
Walking To School
Unless you live in an incredibly safe area, it's unlikely that you will let your kid walk to school in this day and age - especially if they're in the first grade. Of course, it was a different time then and it was far more normal to let the kids run free.
Though it wasn't all bad, generally it was the older sibling or one of the older kids in the neighborhood that would accompany the kids to school. Think of it more like a 'boomer carpool'.