Parenting Habits From the Past That Would Be Criticized Today

Ah, parenting. It’s one of those jobs where everyone has an opinion, and nobody’s afraid to share it. But here’s the thing: what was once considered good parenting has gotten a serious makeover over the years. What used to be “just how things were done” is now being called out as outdated, and in some cases, downright harmful. The World Health Organization suggests that parents who use corporal punishment are at a higher risk of engaging in severe maltreatment, which is a shift from past perspectives.

Some of the methods that once earned nods of approval are now linked to things like anxiety, aggression, and a dip in those all-important test scores. Yikes. So, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and look at parenting habits from the past that would probably get a big ol’ side-eye if you tried them today.

Smoking freely around children at home and in cars

In the past, it was common to smoke around children, both at home and in the car. But now, the health risks of secondhand smoke are widely known. The World Health Organization has warned that exposure to second-hand smoke in children results in respiratory illnesses, chronic respiratory symptoms (such as asthma), ear infections, and reduced lung function.

Today, smoking around kids would be seen as neglectful and harmful.

Routine spanking and hitting

It’s hard to imagine, but millions of children still face physical punishment at home. According to UNICEF, nearly 400 million children under 5 or 6 in 10 children within that age group globally regularly endure psychological aggression or physical punishment at home. What was once a common discipline method is now seen as a risk to children’s well-being.

Leaving young kids home alone for long periods

Millions of U.S. children were considered “latchkey kids,” often spending hours at home alone after school. But today, fewer children are left unsupervised for long periods.

Leaving young children home alone can be emotionally harmful, and most parents are far more cautious than they used to be.

Driving without proper car seats

Parents in the 1970s had a more relaxed approach when it came to driving with kids in the car. It wasn’t uncommon for infants to ride on a parent’s lap, or for kids to be loosely strapped into car seats, with no crash tests required until 1971.

Now, the National Institutes of Health reports that using age- and size-appropriate restraints like car seats and booster seats is crucial for preventing child injuries and deaths in vehicle crashes.

Tolerating lead paint and other toxic exposures

Many children grew up in homes with lead-based paint, contaminated dust, and leaded gasoline. Faster bans on lead paint in low- and middle-income countries could save millions of children from harm. The past acceptance of these hazards is now seen as dangerous neglect.

Unlimited, unsupervised screen time

Before the rise of portable screens, kids had limited access to technology. Today, according to the 2025 Common Sense Media study, children in the U.S. ages 2-5 spend an average of 2 hours and 8 minutes per day on screens, while those ages 5-8 spend about 3 hours and 28 minutes per day.

Research now links heavy screen time with language delays, sleep problems, and reduced interaction between parents and children, making the practice of using TV as a “babysitter” highly controversial.

Using shame and public humiliation as “discipline”

It wasn’t uncommon for parents to publicly scold or humiliate their children in an attempt to discipline them. Public ridicule over grades, behavior, or appearance was often seen as a way to “toughen up” kids. Today, experts consider these practices psychological aggression. 

Expecting early adult milestones and independence

In previous generations, young adults were expected to leave home, marry, and have children quickly. In 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, fewer than 25% of 25–34-year-olds had achieved all four traditional milestones: living independently, working, being married, and having children. Parents today are more supportive of extended education and delayed family formation due to rising housing costs and wages. 

Key takeaway

Parenting norms have changed significantly over the years. Practices like spanking, driving without car seats, and using shame as discipline are now widely criticized. In their place, parents are more focused on safety, emotional well-being, and healthy development.

Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

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