8 everyday habits that kids raised in the '60s, '70s, and '80s rarely needed reminders for and what today's parents can learn from them

July 6, 2026 - 20:34

Every generation grows up in a different world. The childhood of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s looked very different from today, long before smartphones, social media, and instant internet became a part of everyday life. Back then, many everyday habits came naturally. Children spent more time outdoors, entertained themselves without screens, and were expected to take responsibility for their daily tasks. Parents certainly had rules, but many routines became second nature because they were part of everyday life. Here are eight things many children from those decades rarely needed to be reminded about, and why those habits still have something to teach us today.

First, kids knew how to entertain themselves. Without a tablet or a video game console, boredom was a problem they solved on their own. They built forts, rode bikes, or played pickup games in the street until the streetlights came on. Second, they understood the value of a landline. If you were talking on the phone, someone else in the house needed it, so conversations were short and respectful. Third, they remembered phone numbers. There was no contact list. You memorized your best friend's number, your home number, and your grandparents' number, or you were out of luck.

Fourth, they handled their own small problems. If a toy broke, they tried to fix it. If they got into a disagreement with a friend, they sorted it out face to face, not through a text message. Fifth, they helped with chores without being paid for every single task. Taking out the trash, setting the table, or mowing the lawn was just part of being in a family. Sixth, they knew how to wait. Waiting for a show to air, waiting for a letter to arrive, or waiting for a parent to finish a conversation taught patience in a way that instant gratification never can.

Seventh, they were careful with money. Allowances were small and had to last. If you wanted a new toy or a record, you saved up for weeks. There was no tapping a card to buy something on impulse. Eighth, they respected adult authority in a general sense. Teachers, neighbors, and coaches were usually listened to without backtalk. It was a baseline expectation, not a constant negotiation.

What can today's parents learn from this? The core lesson is that children are more capable than we often give them credit for. By stepping back, allowing boredom to spark creativity, and enforcing simple, consistent expectations, parents can raise kids who are resilient, resourceful, and respectful. The world has changed, but the need for self-reliance has not.