These Old Parenting Photos Don’t Hold Up To Today’s Standards
As the times change, so do parenting standards. Gone are the days of eight-year-olds staying out from dawn till dusk unsupervised. Parents are less likely to let their kids wander around the neighborhood alone. What was once considered good discipline could now land parents on the evening news.
Keep reading to see some photos that definitely wouldn't fly in today's social climate. Back in the day, these photos were considered normal. That's not the case anymore.
Take Your Kid To Work Day
Back in the'60s, everybody participated in "take your kid to work" day, even if your work involved performing medical procedures on dangerous big cats. This photo was taken in 1959 and it features a big cat veterinarian and her son petting a lion cub.
They took this lion cub in as their pet and raised it for two years. We imagine that at that point the little guy would be getting too big to be kept in the house.
The Thinnest Car Seat
Check out the car seats that people thought were acceptable back in the 1950s. This flimsy contraption isn't going to do much if his parents get into an accident. Nowadays car seats can cost hundreds of dollars and include a ton of high-tech safety features.
This thing looks more like an amusement park swing than a safety device. We do have to point out the mini wheel attached so the baby can learn to drive along with their parent.
A Human Bike Ramp
Could you imagine a mom acting as a human bike ramp for her kid today? Those kinds of antics just wouldn't fly in the current era. Apparently that wasn't unheard of in the 1970s.
If a mom posted a picture like this online today, she would get completely roasted for being an irresponsible parent and setting a bad example for her kids. In the '70s, this is what it took to be considered a cool mom.
A Makeshift Seatbelt
This mom is taking her daughter on a rather terrifying chairlift ride, but never fear, she's got her arm out to prevent her kid from falling. Who needs a seatbelt when you can just put your arm out, right? Wrong. You need a seatbelt. In fact, you're better off just staying on the ground. This chairlift looks way too dangerous for adults, let alone little kids.
Just look at the view from the top of a tall hill.
Seatbelts Who?
Today, parents generally understand that seatbelts are a necessity, no matter where you're going or how long you spend in the car. Apparently that wasn't the case back in the early '90s. Reddit user jaytheworst's family vacations had school bus rules where their parents would let them ride in style without the belt. But they weren't sitting in normal seats...
They would be pretty safe from collisions in this massive vehicle so it kind ofmakes sense.
Crash And Burn
The kid in this photo is smoking a cigarette after he stole his parents' car, crashed it. and left it on the side of the road. Today, we're not sure if parents would be angrier about the smashed car or the cigarette.
You can tell by the way he's not looking at the camera that he knows he's in some deep trouble. He's hoping that the longer he doesn't make eye contact the less likely they are to notice him standing there.
Messing With Mom
The drinking age may have been raised to 21 since 1970, but what's stayed the same is the universal husband drive to annoy their wives. Reddit user itsgettingcloser posted this iconic photo with the caption "Dad, Let's take a picture that will make Mom angry."
They definitely succeeded and the pure joy on their faces say that they know it too. We don't know what she'll be most angry about: the fact there's beer or the brand he's giving them. German imports are expensive... save it for the adults.
A Little Sip
Sure we've all seen a parent take a picture of their kid next to some kind of alcoholic beverage, but those photos are usually more cheeky in nature. In this photo, it seems like this baby is actually taking a sip of that beer.
Apparently, a teaspoon of beer is an old cure to give babies who can't burp. That's probably what this dad was doing since there's no way he would give a baby Coors just for fun... or would he?
Taking The Baby Skating
These two parents are casually taking their baby ice skating in a slingshot. Yup, that contraption looks like it's ready to launch a child at any moment. We get that these two wanted to have their hands free while skating, but that could have been accomplished by leaving the baby with a sitter.
It would have been way less dangerous than strapping her into this death trap. This looks like an accident waiting to happen.
Cigarettes For Halloween
Today's Halloween costumes are always at the receiving end of a lot of criticism. Whether they're a cultural appropriation, very revealing, or just plain offensive, we all brace for impact when Halloween rolls around the corner. The 1950s were a little different.
This is a hilarious and well-made costume that definitely made her the coolest kid in school. A great couple's costume would be her with the Marlboro man. Those two would puff-puff-pass any 1950s costume contest.
Giving Fire To A Baby
Have you ever given a baby a sparkler to hold? Probably not because babies don't have the grip strength to hold a sparkler safely. Also, kids just shouldn't play with fire. This old school parenting move probably wasn't too popular back in the day either. Who knows what this dad was thinking.
This is definitely one way for a kid to learn firework safety and that fire is hot. Maybe this baby grew up to be a firefighter.
"Mom I'm Not Coming Home Till Later"
Today's kids always have a cellphone on hand. No matter how much people complain about kids being addicted to their phones, they have to admit how convenient it is to have them when you have to shoot mom and dad a quick text. This was the 1970s version of that text.
This kid is going to great lengths and great heights to let his parents know he's going to be late for meatloaf night. Even though this looks unsafe, not telling his mom would be way more dangerous for his health.
Tandem Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing is a great activity for kids and adults given that you take all of the necessary safety precautions and have good safety equipment. Does that girl look like she's securely attached to her father's back? We're not sure that we trust her little rope belt. Her safety harness looks like a couple of ropes, her dad's back, and her own two arms.
This photo would stress anyone out looking at it today since we're so used to seeing climbers with all sorts of protective equipment and gear.
She's Making Wine
This little girl is crushing up some grapes so that she can make wine later. Usually we aren't so keen on kids being around alcohol, but those grapes aren't alcoholic yet.
These days unless you live on a vineyard, it's uncommon for your parents to get you involved in their own process of making wine. After the drinking age in the US was raised to 21, things got even more taboo surrounding kids being around alcohol (even if they weren't drinking it).
Always With A Cigarette
Back in the day people just didn't know how bad smoking was for you and you can't fault them for that. So if Junior wanted to share a smoke with his grandmas and aunts then so be it. He could come and relax as long as he brought his own.
I bet the family looks back on this picture and laughs. The kid probably felt so cool hanging out with everyone too. That smug face says enough. Hopefully, he didn't keep up the unhealthy habit!
That's An Unconventional Crib
We get it, moms gotta work, and babies gotta sleep. Do babies have to sleep in desk drawers, though? This working mom couldn't find a babysitter apparently, so she decided to take her baby to work with her.
Sure this is a file cabinet, but it's not that weird if you think about it. As long as it's the lowest drawer to the ground, what's the worst that can happen? This is what doing it all looked like back in the day.
A Boy, A Bike, And Indonesia
This kid is 16 years old in this photo. He decided that it would be fun to drive a motorcycle around Bali and Indonesia for six months. His parents didn't want to come along for the ride, so they let him go overseas on his own.
He took precautions though — he wore a rubber snake around his neck to scare off wild animals. He says this experience was important for his development. That may be so, but it was also super dangerous.
A Swanky Swimobile
Back in the 1950s in Detroit, parents thought it was perfectly fine to let their kids swim in the back of a truck. SOmebody just filled this truck up with water and called it a pool. It probably doesn't have any chlorine in it, which means these kids are swimming in germs.
Reddit user ItsMinnieYall writes that this "Swimmobile" was where their mom learned to tread water. All you need to do is hit the gas to make it turn into a wave pool.
Look What Santa Brought!
If you've ever had a baby, you know that there are very strict rules about how they're supposed to be swaddled. Loose fabric around a baby's head could result in a disaster.
This was how delivery nurse and Reddit user nankie handed newborns out to their mothers on Christmas day back in 1980. Yes, the babies look cute in those stockings, but this whole concept isn't very safe. We hope no babies were harmed in the making of this photo.
How To Learn Music
If a kid wants to learn piano nowadays, he or she usually sits down at a piano one-on-one with a qualified teacher. In this photo, you can see kids in 1947 learning to play piano in a classroom. They are watching the teacher at the front while mimicking his movements on their miniature soundless keyboards.
This is a good way to memorize the movements, but it's probably not very satisfying to produce absolutely no sound.
Babies At The Ballet
When a mom's gotta work, a mom's gotta work. This ballerina can't put her parenting duties on hold just because she's in a show. This 1980s photo of a mother and her child shows a more human side of the art.
Does it make sense to have a baby backstage at a national ballet? Probably not. Today this mom would probably have some hired help. Still, she's doing her best and for that she deserves a lot of credit.
Barefoot Skateboarding
This photo taken by iconic photographer Hugh Holland in the 1970s shows a young boy skateboarding in a bathing suit and nothing else. Honestly, if we saw this kid at the skate park today, we would probably chase after him with some shoes and elbow pads.
He must be pretty good at skateboarding since he's not covered in scrapes. Still, some elbow pads and knee pads couldn't hurt. Come on, kid, at least put on some shoes!
A Pet Raccoon
We've heard of kids getting pet dogs and cats, but we haven't heard of a pet raccoon for kids before. First Lady Mrs. Coolidge was reportedly a fan of the creatures that we usually see eating our garbage, and in 1922 she even posed with her companion she affectionately named "Rebecca."
She just picked this raccoon up off the street and it didn't take long before they were best friends. Do you let your kids play with wild animals? We didn't think so.
A Fast-Moving Go-Kart
These homemade go-karts were dangerous machines. Even so, kids can't get enough of them. You don't see many Go-Kart races around nowadays, probably because so many people got injured in those races.
Today if kids want to experience the magic of Go-Karting, they have to do it through their TV screens. Mario Kart, anyone? It's kind of like Go-Karting but with some extra stuff.
Smoking Around Litte De Niro
It's only pretty recently that we learned about the dangers of cigarette smoke. Back before it was common knowledge that smoking poses health risks, people would smoke all the time, indoors, around pets, and even holding children. Just like Robert De Niro's father did when he was a young boy.
Robert De Niro turned out okay, so no worries. The only thing the De Niros are currently being criticized for is the height of Robert's platform Oxford shoes on the set of Scorsese's The Irishman. Seriously, have you seen those things? They're like 7 inches high.
Fine Italian Clothes
It was a different time back in 1916, like Reddit user TheFlowerCannon shows by telling the story of her 17-year-old grandfather. He was born in Italy but was adopted by a poor family with 10 other children in 1899 who then immigrated to the US in 1910.
His connection with Italy didn't break there — he would receive anonymous packages of well-made and beautiful Italian clothes every few years. Nowadays our parents would probably make us throw it away. But mommm, can't we at least see what's inside?
A Real '70s Party
Today when you're throwing a big party you have to warn all your neighbors, beg them not to call the cops, and then try and manage the music volume all night so you don't get any noise complaints. You're the volume DJ nobody wanted all night, but if it's any consolation things were a little more relaxed in the 70s.
Reddit user KnowYourRole96 posted that this was a high school party their mom attended in 1976 on July 4th. She was one of the many people on the roof.
He Really Loves That Present
Nowadays the hottest toy on the market is one that's been tested 100 times to make sure there's no choking hazards and a bunch of other dangers. If it's basically bubble wrap it'll sell like hotcakes these days. Things weren't that way back in 1989.
Reddit user xDanSolo shares this photo of him opening the hottest toy of the year — the Ghostbusters Ghost Trap. This thing would be really fun to have, but would definitely be slapped with a ton of warning stickers these days. Enjoy catching those phantoms!
Chainsaw Babysitting
This multitasking mom definitely would not be a crowd-pleaser in today's day and age. If the hiking baby-throwing parents gave you a mini heart attack then this interesting way this mom is chainsawing may give you another one.
She's hauling precious cargo while getting her outdoor duties done. We respect the multitasker in her, and her helpful baby too. This little guy is definitely in her ear pointing out all the places where she can work on her technique. He'll be a supervisor in the future for sure.
Biker Gangs
Today we're used to seeing biker gangs roll by on the road in loud pack that has us covering our ears and shaking our heads. We're always so curious about what their jackets say too. "Does that say the bread raisers? Oh, it doesn't matter they're gone now."
This tough biker gang leader in the 1970s was Reddit user faitswulff's mom. This was a rough and tumble customer that you'll never see around today — only because she's not wearing a helmet. What a rebel.
This One Time At Band Camp...
Garage bands are a thing of the past. Back before neighbors would call the cops on you immediately, kids would jam out to their heart's content. We can't be mad at those trigger-happy neighbors though, after hearing a badly played "Barracuda" 15 times in a row we would all go a little crazy.
Reddit user HGcardinal55 writes that their mom was dating the guitarist in the white and black T-shirt back in 1984 when this photo was taken. We don't know what's more taboo today, the idea of a garage band or the mullets they're rocking.
Sleeping In Style
Today parents focus less on their toddlers' hair and more on things that are more...long lasting. If you put your child's hair in a ponytail, all you have to do is breathe and that thing will be history. Turns out this wasn't a problem in '66 for one hairspray-loving mom.
Even though it may be a little impractical, this is one stylish baby. When the mom drives slowly by the daycare, all the little girl has to do is stick her head out the window and the boy toddlers will be staring. You go, fashionista.
Babysitting With Wine
Raise your baby and your glass to this mom who didn't let having a kid stop her from having a good time! Today we're more inclined to pay for a babysitter than to bring our kid to the shindig, but if they're not going to judge people there turn off the music then what's the harm?
This mom is out and about and having a great time doing it. Even her kid seems to be enjoying themselves since they're eying that liquor pretty enviously. Only milk for you, Junior.
This Vintage Lady Killer
Today's hype around senior prom mostly focusses on cute promposals that the boys put together to ask the girl in an extravagant way. They're nice, they're wholesome, and sometimes they're funny. They used to look pretty different in the 70s however.
Reddit user AR3SiN captions this photo "my dad before prom in the 70s. His brother is a professional photographer and got this legendary photo." This is a pretty epic shot but this kind of wedding-themed begging wouldn't make Instagram headlines today.
Some Things Never Change
We pick up so many things from our parents. Whether it's our faces, hair, personality, or even furniture, some days we wake up and ask ourselves if we're actually becoming them. Reddit user EvilFluffy87 had this moment when he caught himself acting just like his dad.
He decided against using those fancy modern baby rockers and stuck to what he knew worked for personal experience — dad's arm. Feel the sway and the arm hair tickling your chin.
Eating Junk With Dad
Kids will always want whatever you're having — they're a lot like pets in that way. These days a lot of parents advocate for their child eating non-GMO, vegn, no sugar, and no grease. That just wasn't a thing back in 1992.
This cool dad and his son are enjoying their time together relaxing and mucnching on some Krinkles after a long day. Honestly, we can't judge them because they look so cute together. What we are curious about are the Krinkles...where can we get them nowadays because they seem like they taste delicious?
Before Selfies
Back before selfies and iPhones, people actually had a hard time getting babies to sit still so they could take their photo. Nowadays it's a totally different story since your friend with a newborn is posting at least 30 baby pictures a day. We get it Jackie, we really do.
This iconic 1949 photo of Reddit user ent_hugger37's dad and grandma just proves how hard it was to get a decent take. That is one blurry baby who can't sit still because there are places to be and people to meet!
Smoking While Pregnant
Smoking seems to be a common thing we've all slowly learned that children...and pregnant women... shouldn't do. We have to remember these were different times and people weren't aware of the dangers of doing it. Take this mom who's balancing an ashtray on her pregnant belly while smoking.
Don't worry, the person who posted this online said it was their mom so they're alright. If anything, let it serve as a good warning for our safety today.
Spick N' Span
If you've ever wondered why your dad washes his car every weekend, it’s because it’s a hard habit to break. Back in the day, young men treated their car better than most boys today ever will.
They worked on the engine themselves, changed the oil, and definitely never took it into a car wash.
Skating Down The Street
If your dad ever cracked a smile when you asked him for your first skateboard, it was most likely because he was a proud father at that moment. Chances are you aren't the first one in your family to cruise down the street in style.
Your dad was doing it well before you were born and was probably better than you’ll ever be.
Like Father, Like Son
This photo perfectly captures the admiration of a son for his father. This dad looks all business in his fighter pilot outfit, and his son is looking at him in awe.
He even has his own little fighter pilot jacket too so he will blend in with the other men at the base.
Dad Was Hot
Everyone has heard their dad brag about how good-looking they were back in the day. Although time may have done a number on their body, most still keep photos as evidence of their good looks.
It looks like this dad kept an old modeling photo to show off to his kids.
An Impressive Beer Run
Sometimes, it can be easy to forget that your father wasn't always a dad. At some point, he might have even been unicycling with a case of beer on each shoulder.
Just because your dad doesn’t always tell you about his crazy antics as a young man, it doesn’t mean that they never happened.
A Motorcycle Wedding
Nothing makes for a better wedding than long hair, motorcycles, and crushing beers. This couple may have the most rugged wedding photos around because traditional weddings are overrated.
We hope they hit the road after this for their honeymoon.
A Stylish Guy
Red Miller Light hat, check. Red Old Milwaukee vest, check. Flannel with a kitten inside, check. This dad has all of the bases covered style-wise, and the kitten tops everything off.
Aside from being more stylish than you'll ever be, its guaranteed he drank more beer than you.
An Epic Denim Jacket
After years of dormancy, the jean jacket has finally come back into popularity. However, it's important to remember who made them cool in the first place: your dad.
Chances are he still has one tucked away in his closet that you’ll never get your hands on. It has too many memories for you to leave it at some party.
His Best Bud
Before this dad became domesticated, it's more than likely that he went on more than a few adventures with this hound. By the looks of it, they have a deep bond and were probably inseparable.
This dog probably rode shotgun long before his wife ever did.
A Six Pack And A Gallon Of Milk
Today, most young men can only aspire to have as much swagger as this man. No amount of vintage clothing or number of beverages consumed can match this man's natural ability to look cool.
The funny thing is that this probably wasn’t a special occasion either, just a man who was sent to the store for some milk and came back with a six-pack, too.
A Pet Fox
Apparently, laws didn't apply in the ’80s because this guy is holding a fox. Not only is it a fox, but it also has a collar, showing that it’s domesticated.
If this dad ever told his kids they couldn’t have a pet, all they would have to do is whip out this photo to prove a point.
He's Artsy
With the craziness of family-life, your dad may not have as much time for his hobbies like he used to. This is a picture of a dad sculpting a profile of his wife's face in peace, something they had time to do back in the day.
We hope that sculpture is displayed somewhere in their home.
A Cute Christmas Card
Everything about this picture makes it undeniably cool. The guy's outfit, the glasses, his stoic and loyal looking dog, and of course, the new hip-hop album that he’s going to release in his hands.
We’re not sure if this picture was intended to be cool, but it turned out that way.
Dad's Got Fashion
Just because this man had a kid didn't mean that he hung up the old jean jacket and traded in the shades for a pair of cargo shorts and white tennis shoes.
He rose to the occasion and decided to keep his current style and become one of the best-dressed dads around. Good choice.
Staying Honest
This dad had an attitude back in the '80s. Although he’s at band practice, it doesn’t look like he’s having very much fun. The "Piss Off" shirt lets his bandmates know that he’s not in the mood to do any more socializing than necessary.
We wonder what his mother had to say when he walked out of the house wearing that shirt.
Big Tech Guy
Believe it or not, technology was around back in the 1980s, and it wasn't as primitive as you may think. Here’s a dad standing next to his car while simultaneously showing off his portable phone.
However, chances are, his pockets aren’t big enough for it to fit in his pants. He may need a backpack.
A Man Of The Future
While everyone else was living in the '80s, this man was looking into the future. He managed to transform a van into a futuristic-looking craft.
Driving around town with this baby is probably how he picked up his wife. This was an ambitious move, but he pulled it off.
Maroon Everywhere
Back in the 1980s, style like this wasn't just acceptable; it was encouraged. It was a simpler time when wearing all maroon while peddling a 10-speed through the neighborhood was the norm.
Hopefully, this dad unboxed this old outfit and wore it to horrify his children.
Chugging Beers
This dad looks like he knows a few things about camping. Step 1, put up the tent. Step 2, proceed to chug beers for the rest of the day.
This is one of those photos that probably isn't on display in his family’s home but is kept in a shoebox somewhere in his closet. Cheers.
The Most '80s Picture
Nothing says the '80s more than dirty mustaches and oversized glasses. This dad has it all and is rocking it with ease. His son should take notes because this is how a real man presents himself.
The only thing that would make this picture better is if it was a fraternity composite picture, which it very well might be.
Dad In Lebanon
His shirt partially unbuttoned, one hand is pressed against the wall as he leans, and his hair is marvelous. This is the epitome of a cool '80s dad.
We don’t know where he was heading, but he looked dressed for some fun. This dad from Lebanon had it going on.
Smoldering On The Beech
This father could have been a chick magnet. Or he could have just been the creep on the beach who stares at you for too long.
We're not judging, we’re just giving our honest opinion. At least his mustache is nice and thick. You can’t go wrong with a nice mustache.
