15 Parenting Tactics from the Past That Modern Families Would Find Absurd
Parenting is one of the most valuable yet, at the same time, the most difficult since it is a lifelong process. It is also possible to note that what was considered correct and quite normal in earlier periods of child-rearing is almost inconceivable nowadays. We can see that some of the techniques our ancestors used to manage children were not only entirely distinct from the current ways of raising children, but sometimes, they may even sound appalling.
Seat-Free

Previously, children did not need to be secured in car seats. Much earlier on, children could just sit on an adult’s lap or move around in the car’s back seat. Car seats for children as a mandatory requirement became standard only in the late 20th century because of the laws that sought to protect children in the car. Hard as this may be to believe in the present, one cannot help but remember that at one time, a child could be traveling in a car without having a seat belt on, which is actually against the law in most countries today, as a testament to the advancement.
Alone Time

Earlier, children were often left alone without anyone to look after them or to look after them for quite some time. From playing outside until it was dark to being left alone when parents went shopping, children had to look after themselves. One has to wonder if this level of independence benefited kids because, nowadays, it would be considered neglectful and dangerous. The current type of parenting is closely related to control and organization to protect children from dangers and provide them with a certain routine.
Spanking Norm

Spanking was a really popular way of disciplining children in the past. People, including parents, teachers, and neighbors, would punish a child by hitting them, and it was entirely acceptable and reasonable. Today, though, spanking remains a hot topic as many professionals insist that it has adverse effects on children’s well-being. Modern-day teaching discipline strategies will likely involve the award system and talking to the child to correct them rather than assaulting them.
Smoke Exposure

Indeed, not long ago, people smoked wherever they wanted, and children grew up watching their parents smoking. Children were frequently exposed to second-hand smoke in their homes, cars, and other places with no regard for the future effects. Today, there is a lot of information about the harm of passive smoking, and smoking in the presence of children is not welcome; many places are entirely non-smoking zones to protect children’s lungs.
Alcohol Sips

You may hardly believe it, but in most cultures, children were allowed to take some alcohol in moderate quantities. Children were not protected from alcohol because they were allowed to take a sip of wine during dinner, or a baby was given a drop of whiskey to make him stop crying, among others. What is known today is that alcohol is toxic to the developing brain, and thus, giving alcohol to children is out of the question in many countries of the world, and in some, it is prohibited.
Tight Swaddling

Earlier, parents used to wrap their babies up in cloth for many hours or even days; it was thought this gave the baby warmth and shielded their limbs from danger. However, it also limits the child’s ability to move, which we now know is vital for growth and development. Other guidelines also suggest that the babies should be allowed enough space to crawl and move around, and swaddling should not be practiced or done very rarely.
Cold Showers

Some years back, some parents used to force their children to take cold showers as punishment. It was considered a quick and convenient solution, as the child would behave as soon as they saw the water. However, this practice is quite severe and counterproductive today, given that most parents nowadays use such strategies as time out or talking to their children about their behavior.
Child Labor

Before the development of child labor laws, it was common for children as young as five or six to be sent to work. Whether helping out on a family farm, working in factories, or doing chores in other households, childhood was often cut short by the necessity of earning money. Today, the idea of sending a young child to work is unimaginable in most parts of the world, as society now prioritizes education and development over labor for children.
Shared Beds

Formerly, people had only one large bed where they slept with their families because houses and belongings were limited. Siblings, children, and parents were not restricted to sharing a bed. Nevertheless, there are still some people, primarily from certain cultures, who let their kids share a bed with them; meanwhile, most parents in today’s societies want to give their children their own space to sleep as soon as possible to help the children become independent and ensure safety during sleep.
No Proofing

Some two to three decades ago, parents did not even consider the need for babyproofing. Childlocks on cabinets, gates at stairs, and covers on electrical sockets were lacking. Parents were mainly on the lookout for their children and taught them not to stray into certain areas rather than ensure the environment was safe. Today, babyproofing has become a big business, and many different products are available to help protect your child from accidents in the home.
Early Solids

In previous generations, parents often introduced solid foods to babies as early as a few months old. It could include purees, cereals, or even small pieces of food well before the child is developmentally ready. Pediatricians recommend exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first six months, with solids introduced gradually as the baby shows signs of readiness. The early introduction of solid foods back then would now be seen as risking choking or digestive issues.
Free-Range Play

Back then, kids had way more freedom to explore without adults constantly watching over them. They’d spend hours playing outside in mud, climbing trees, and creating their own little adventures, and parents didn’t worry much—they trusted kids would be home by dinnertime. However, most parents are more cautious these days, so playtime is often structured and supervised for safety.
Minimal Praise

Years ago, giving kids lots of praise wasn’t the norm; parents often believed keeping compliments to a minimum would help build character and keep kids grounded. Now, parenting focuses much more on boosting kids’ confidence, with parents quick to recognize their efforts and celebrate achievements to help build self-esteem instead of being overly strict.
Rare Baths

Earlier, people thought one had to bathe less often than what is common today; children were washed once a week or even less frequently if the family had limited water supplies. Bathing has changed in many ways, including the frequency with which one has to bathe to prevent diseases and maintain the body’s cleanliness. Today, parents give their children a bath nearly daily, showing how much views have changed regarding hygiene.
Boarding School as Discipline

In the past, parents often chose to send children to boarding school if they were acting out or needed more structure in their lives. It was believed that the strict environment would teach discipline and good manners. Today, this method is much less common. Most parents now focus on addressing behavior issues at home or through therapy, highlighting a modern approach that prioritizes emotional support and understanding instead of taking strict measures.
The way parents raise their children has changed over the years due to changes in society, knowledge, and attitudes toward child-rearing. These techniques, most of which are rather crude by today’s standards, were used with the best intentions because the knowledge and tools available at that time were limited. It is because as we keep learning about child development and safety issues, some of the things we practice today will shock the next generation. This discussion of parenting styles is a good reminder of how flexible human society is in ensuring children grow up as happy and healthy as possible.
More For You

While we cherish our parents, some of their approaches to parenting would raise eyebrows today. Every generation evolves in how they raise kids. Here are some lessons your parents may not have passed on.
This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.