10 Things Parents Did In The ’90s That We’d Never Do Today
Ah, the ’90s—a glorious era of dial-up internet, neon windbreakers, and parenting styles that feel as retro as a Blockbuster card.
It was a time when car seats were optional past toddlerhood, and kids played outside until the streetlights came on. Reflecting on it now, some of these practices seem hilariously outdated or downright unthinkable by today’s standards.
In this trip down memory lane, we revisit ten quirky things parents did in the ’90s, blending humor with nostalgia. From carefree road trips to unfiltered family photos, this list will make you laugh, cringe, and appreciate how times have changed!
1. Car Rides Without Seatbelts
Remember the days when seatbelts were more of a suggestion than a rule?
Parents in the ’90s often let kids roam free in the backseat, creating a mobile playground. It’s hard to imagine today, but back then, it was as common as slap bracelets and Tamagotchis.
In today’s world, safety reigns supreme, and those carefree days are behind us. So, buckle up for safety and nostalgia as we reminisce about this wild ride down memory lane.
2. Smoking Indoors
Lighting up a cigarette indoors was a regular occurrence in the ’90s. Parents, seemingly oblivious to the haze of smoke, would puff away while the kids played nearby.
Today, this would raise eyebrows faster than you could say “health hazard.” The change in attitudes towards smoking has been dramatic, leaving smoky rooms as a relic of a bygone era. It’s a healthier time now, and everyone’s lungs are thanking us.
3. Letting Kids Play Unsupervised
In the ’90s, kids roamed free like little explorers, often without adult supervision. Parents trusted the community and neighborhood to keep an eye on their little adventurers.
Fast-forward to today, and the thought of kids playing without supervision might send shivers down a parent’s spine. The shift towards helicopter parenting has been huge, but those days of carefree play are fondly remembered by many.
4. Ignoring Car Safety Seats
During the ’90s, car safety seats were often an afterthought. Parents would sometimes hold toddlers in their laps, believing it was just as safe.
With today’s strict regulations and safety awareness, it’s a head-scratcher to think this was ever acceptable. Modern parents now know that car seats save lives, making them a non-negotiable aspect of child safety on the road.
5. Limited Screen Time Worries
Screen time in the ’90s was minimal, with parents not fretting over kids glued to the television. After all, options were limited to Saturday morning cartoons and the occasional VHS rental.
Contrast this with today’s digital world, where managing screen time is a serious parental duty. The simplicity of ’90s screen time is almost enviable, offering a stark contrast to today’s tech-savvy youngsters.
6. Using Water Hoses as Summer Fun
Before the age of elaborate water parks, a garden hose provided endless summer fun. Parents would let kids run wild with hoses, creating makeshift water slides on the lawn.
The sheer joy of such simple pleasures is something today’s kids might find puzzling. Now, with safety concerns and sophisticated water attractions, the humble garden hose seems like a relic of simpler times.
7. Allowing Kids to Walk to School Alone
Walking to school alone was a rite of passage in the ’90s. Parents believed in fostering independence by letting kids navigate their way to school solo.
Today, the thought of children walking alone might cause anxiety. With a heightened focus on safety, many parents now accompany their kids or arrange carpools, marking a significant shift in how we perceive children’s independence.
8. Calling Kids from a Payphone
Back when cell phones were a luxury, parents relied on payphones to check in with their kids. Calling from a payphone was a common sight, with kids rattling off numbers memorized from scratch.
These days, payphones are as rare as a Blockbuster rental. The convenience of mobile phones has made the payphone a quaint memory, reminding us of a time when communication required more than a quick text.
9. Serving TV Dinners
TV dinners were the epitome of convenience in the ’90s, offering a quick meal solution for busy families. Parents would pop these ready-made meals into the microwave with a sigh of relief.
Fast-forward to today, and the shift towards healthier, fresh food options has made TV dinners less appealing. While the nostalgia for these meals persists, modern families often prefer cooking together, savoring both the food and the experience.
10. Talking to Strangers
In the ’90s, talking to strangers was encouraged as a way to build social skills. Parents often urged their kids to say hello, fostering confidence and friendliness.
Today, the rule of “stranger danger” prevails, as safety concerns have altered how we view interactions with strangers. While social skills are still important, caution now accompanies curiosity, reflecting a more cautious approach to unfamiliar faces.