1. Actions Labeled as Neglect Today: Parenting Habits of Gen X Era
Growing up in Generation X was a different ball game back in the 70s to the 90s. Kids roamed the neighborhood, went to unsupervised parties, and learned to cook their meals - things that would be considered neglectful today. But back then, it was all part of the fun and learning experience.
Let's run down a few things parents of Gen X kids did back in the day that would raise an eyebrow (or two) today:
7 Parenting Practices of the Past that Would be Considered Neglect Today
1. Free Range Kids
In the 80s and 90s, the concept of "stranger danger" was a thing, but kids were generally allowed to explore their surroundings and come home when the sun went down. Today, parents are expected to keep tabs on their kids 24/7, and leaving them unattended could lead to accusations of neglect.
Bonus Fact: Did you know that kids today spend less time outdoors compared to their parents and grandparents?
2. Laid Back Party Parenting
Before the days of social media, parental consent for parties wasn't as essential as it is now. A simple invite was enough, and parents trusted that everyone would behave. Back then, it was understood that parents looked after their own kids without interfering with others.
3. Mall Ratting
Wandering around malls was one of the favorite pastimes for Gen X teenagers, and kids of all ages. Despite the possibility of unsupervised activities, hanging out at malls was commonplace during that era.
4. DIY Cooking Lessons
Cooking their own meals was a normal part of a Gen X childhood. Today, kids as young as eight are not allowed to use the microwave unsupervised, let alone prepare a full meal. The consequences of kitchen mishaps were part of the learning curve back then.
5. Sleep Training: Cry it Out
Parenting experts in the past recommended leaving babies to "cry it out" to self-soothe. Today, this method is considered controversial and may even be considered neglectful. Many studies have warned about the potential negative effects of sleep training on babies.
6. Problem-Solving Independence
Gen X kids were often encouraged to "figure it all out themselves," as a way to develop independence. However, this approach left vulnerable children to face challenges alone, sometimes with unintended negative consequences.
7. Ignoring School Bullies
The approach to addressing bullying was vastly different in the Gen X era. It was expected that kids would handle bullying situations themselves, or not tell teachers about it. Today, ignoring bullying is seen as neglectful and potentially dangerous.
In today's world, the focus is on ensuring children's safety and wellbeing at all times. While some critics argue that today's overly cautious parenting styles are suffocating kids, others believe this approach is essential in a world where predators and other dangers are unfortunately prevalent.
- In the past, wellness and health-and-wellness practices often emphasized the importance of self-reliance, with Gen X children encouraged to "figure it all out themselves" to develop independence.
- The concept of love within family dynamics in the past was somewhat different, as parents would often trust their children to resolve their own difficulties without intervention, such as ignoring school bullies.
- Family health in the past focused less on psychology, with methods like sleep training (cry it out) being considered acceptable to help babies self-soothe, even though this approach may be controversial today.
- Psychology plays a more significant role in parenting today, with parenting experts warning about the potential negative effects of sleep training on babies, contrasting past practices that encouraged leaving babies to cry it out to self-soothe.
- Storytelling, part of family heritage, often included sharing personal experiences and zodiac predictions, serving as an important bonding tool in the past generation. However, today's parenting prioritizes science and evidence-based practices over such traditions.
