40 Old School Parenting Fails From A Nostalgic Time When They Really Didn’t Know Any Better

Take a nostalgic, albeit slightly cringe-worthy, trip down memory lane to a time when parenting was… let’s say, a bit more laissez-faire.

Back in the day, before terms like “helicopter parenting” or “screen time limits” entered our lexicon, the rules were a little different. We’re talking about the days when kids roamed the backseats of cars without the loving embrace of a seatbelt, and it wasn’t uncommon to see a pediatrician pondering over a child’s health with a cigarette in hand. Yes, those old school parenting fails that make us wonder how we all survived to tell the tale.

In this collection, we’ve gathered images from past decades that capture the eyebrow-raising parenting practices of yesteryears. From babies held on laps in moving vehicles to toddlers wielding power tools for the camera, these snapshots are a mix of humor and horror, showcasing just how much the world of parenting has evolved.

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2. “My mother and grandmother demonstrating safety standards in the 1960s.”

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4. “Back in the day. 1950s to be exact. Check out that car seat.”

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33. “My mother-in-law riding a bear at 2 years old.”

34. “My dad showing off his parenting skills 1985.”

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40. “Children’s Motor Wheel, 1927”

Read also: 40 Nostalgic Pictures That Transport You Back To The ‘Old Internet’ Days

Mike

Mike Primavera

Mike Primavera is a Chicago-based comedy writer even though he doesn't HAVE to work. He lives comfortably off of his family's pasta fortune. Follow him on all social media at @primawesome