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10 Parenting Acts You’ll Recall if You Were Born in the 1970s America

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Ah, the good old days of childhood! Growing up in the 70s was a wild ride filled with rules and moments that defined a generation. If you were a kid in the US during that time, these 10 memories will likely bring a smile—or a groan. Let’s take a fun trip down memory lane!

Participation in Community Events

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Back then, local fairs and block parties were the social events of the season. Kids were expected to help set up booths and support the community in any way possible, even if they didn’t want to. It was also an opportunity for parents to bond with neighbors and help their kids make new friends.

No Cars Before Graduation

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Earning a driver’s license was a reward at that time. Parents knew that giving teenagers driving privileges too soon might lead to trouble, so they kept the keys hidden until after high school. Without cars, kids used to find creative ways to get around: biking to the ice cream shop, racing on scooters, or borrowing a skateboard.

Mandatory Chores

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Chores were as routine as brushing your teeth—a way to teach responsibility and discipline. From mowing the lawn to taking out the trash, kids were serving a purpose, according to their parents. But most of them agreed to the perk: allowance. And there were always a few who perfected the art of disappearing right before “chore time.”

Limited TV Time

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Moms and dads set strict schedules, like giving only an hour or two to watch favorite shows like Happy Days or The Brady Bunch. This pushed kids to fill their days with reading, playing board games, or going outside. Only some of them were lucky enough to stretch bedtime for just “one more episode.”

Strict Dress Codes

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School wasn’t a fashion show—at least, that was the intention. Plaid skirts, button-up shirts, and specific colors kept everyone’s look in check. The elders believed this brought focus on equality. But if you were a creative kid, you knew how to bend the rules with a flashy belt or cool socks.

No Dating Until High School

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For most 70s kids, romance was on hold until high school. Parents needed them to focus on friendships and academics, believing it was better to wait until teens were older to experience dating. So, middle school was mostly about friends, sports, and passing notes until you had a secret crush and traded love notes under desks.

Neighborhood Curfews

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Every evening, as the street lights flickered on, children knew it was time to wrap up the day’s adventures. Curfews were set not only by dads but often by the entire neighborhood, making sure everyone got home safe. It was the adult way to induce peace of mind within the whole society.

Parent-Approved Music

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Music was a family affair because moms and dads often wanted to hear and approve of what you were playing on the record. But as the 70s rolled on, a few rebellious kids found ways to sneak in some edgier tunes, and soon, all kinds of debates would take over the dinner table.

Strict Bedtimes

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Early bedtimes were the ultimate norm. However, some kids couldn’t resist the thrill of hiding under the sheets with a flashlight, reading comics until they drifted off. As for the parents, they held this routine sacred, making sure lights were out and the little ones were tucked in before 8.

Limited Candy Access

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Birthday parties, Halloween, and visits from the Tooth Fairy were the best candy days, making sweets even more memorable. That’s because candy was reserved for special occasions or as a reward for good behavior, to teach moderation and prevent cavities. This is one of those rules that’s still somewhat alive.

Written by Evander Jones

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