Gen X grew up at a time when kids had a lot more freedom and fewer rules. They spent their days figuring things out by themselves and in an endless adventure, exploring and making their own fun.
For kids today, many of those old habits are just not manageable now, they feel too risky. The world has changed and independence is handled very differently.
That contrast is what makes it so funny to look back at now, how the parents grew up doing things that their kids could never do today and how everyday things from back then would be hard to imagine now.
1
Kids staying out all day
And with no way to reach them.
2
Riding in cars without seatbelts
"Just hop in" era is long gone.
3
Riding bicycles with no helmet
Apparently getting hurt was not a worry then.
4
Drinking from the garden hose
Modern kids have their emotional support water bottles.
5
Using chemistry sets
A true test. And with no supervision.
6
Doing adult things
Adults gave beer to their children, crazy thing.
7
Riding in the back of a pickup truck
Now it's illegal and also terrifying.
8
Coming home alone after school
Now it sounds like a bad move in a horror movie.
9
Hanging out at the mall for hours
The OG hangout spot, now teens barely leave the house.
10
Watching violent movies young
Saturday afternoons were filled with explosions, now ratings matter.
11
Calling a friend’s house all the time
Now kids just text and hate phone calls.
12
Trying cigarettes
A rite of passage but very questionable.
13
Using payphones to check in
Now your location has to be ON at all times.
14
Recording songs off the radio to make mixtapes
The struggle was real and now unnecessary.
15
Playing with lawn darts
Because who made the most dangerous thing ever a toy?
16
Spending whole weekends at the arcade
Now screen time is frowned upon.
17
Kids babysitting kids
Why would a 12 year old take care of a baby?
