I have to admit, I sometimes get a good chuckle out of poking fun at people who seem overly cautious these days. You know the type—sanitizing everything, bubble-wrapping their kids, triple-checking every little risk. But if you had the opportunity of growing up in the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s like I did, you’ll understand why that mindset feels a bit foreign. Back then, life felt a little more free—some might say reckless, but we turned out just fine.
We drank water straight from the garden hose on hot summer days, rode our bikes barefoot and helmet-free until the streetlights came on, and piled into the back of pickup trucks or the family station wagon for road trips with no seat belts in sight. Our toys had sharp edges, our playgrounds were built on asphalt, and the only “screen time” we had was from a black-and-white TV set that had to be smacked on the side to work properly.
Our parents raised us in a world that, by today’s standards, would seem downright dangerous. But somehow, they—and we—made it through. Not only did we survive, we learned resilience, independence, and a bit of toughness along the way. Sure, today’s world is different, and it’s not a bad thing that safety is taken more seriously. But sometimes, you have to wonder if all the rules, warnings, and “safety first” thinking are doing more to shield kids from life than to prepare them for it.
Watch this humorous video of how it was growing up in the 60s, 70s, and 80s…
Watching a video like this one brings all those memories flooding back. If you grew up in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, you’ll instantly relate. And honestly, is it a bad thing that I connected with nearly everything in it? I’m proud of how my parents raised me and my sisters—we’re stronger, scrappier, and full of stories to tell because of it.
Please share this hilarious look at kids growing up in the 60s, 70s, and 80s with your friends and family.
