7 parenting rules from the 1960s that wouldn’t fly today

August 9, 2026 - 22:10

To obey or disobey. That was never the question. Not in a 1960s household, anyway, where the answer came pre-decided and questioning it wasn't really an option. The decade had its own parenting playbook, and while some of it was harmless, a lot of it would get a modern parent side-eyed at the playground, or worse, a visit from a social worker.

Here are seven rules from that era that have aged about as well as a carton of milk left in a hot car.

First, children were seen and not heard. Dinner time was for adults to talk, and kids were expected to sit quietly, eat whatever was put in front of them, and not interrupt. Today, we encourage kids to share their thoughts and ask questions at the table. A silent child is now seen as a red flag, not a sign of good manners.

Second, spanking was the standard punishment. A quick smack on the bottom was considered a normal, even necessary, part of discipline. It was quick, it was physical, and it was supposed to teach a lesson. Now, we know that hitting kids teaches them that violence solves problems, and it damages the trust between parent and child. The conversation has shifted to natural consequences and time-outs, not fear.

Third, the "cry it out" method was gospel for babies. You put the infant in the crib, closed the door, and did not go back in until morning, no matter how much they screamed. Parents were told they would spoil the child if they picked them up too much. Today, we understand that babies cry to communicate, and responding to their needs builds a secure attachment. Ignoring them can actually raise their stress hormones.

Fourth, kids were given total freedom to roam. You left the house after breakfast and came back when the streetlights came on. No one knew where you were, and no one checked in. While this built a certain kind of independence, it also came with real dangers. Modern parents are not just being paranoid; the world is more connected, and the risks are more visible. We still want kids to explore, but we track them with phones and set clear boundaries.

Fifth, "because I said so" was the only explanation needed. Parents did not have to justify their rules. If you asked why, you got that phrase, and that was the end of it. Now, we try to explain the reasoning behind rules to kids. It helps them develop their own moral compass, rather than just blindly following orders. It takes more time, but it builds a more respectful relationship.

Sixth, children were expected to eat everything on their plate, no exceptions. You sat there until you finished your Brussels sprouts, even if you gagged. This was supposed to teach gratitude and prevent picky eating. But it often led to kids ignoring their own hunger cues and developing a weird relationship with food. These days, we offer a variety of foods and let kids decide how much to eat, trusting their bodies to know when they are full.

Seventh, parents never apologized to their kids. Saying sorry was a sign of weakness. If a parent made a mistake, it was swept under the rug. Now, we know that apologizing to your child when you are wrong is one of the most powerful things you can do. It teaches them humility, accountability, and that everyone makes mistakes. It shows them that respect goes both ways.

The 1960s were a different time, no doubt. But looking back, it is clear that many of those rules were less about raising healthy kids and more about keeping the peace for the adults. We have learned a lot since then, and the fact that these rules make us cringe today is a sign that we are doing better.