Growing up in the ’70s was a whole different ball game. We did things that would make today’s parents cringe.
We didn’t have the safety knowledge or precautions that are so commonplace today. Instead, we were out there, living on the edge, doing things that were considered ‘dangerous’.
But hey, we survived! And those experiences shaped us into the people we are today.
Now, I’m not suggesting we should return to these risky habits. But let’s take a walk down memory lane and revisit 7 ‘dangerous’ things every ’70s kid did on a regular basis (and survived).
1) Biking without helmets
Ah, the freedom of the open road! Remember when we used to jump on our bikes and ride around the neighborhood without a care in the world?
Back then, bike helmets were hardly a thing. We didn’t think twice about pedaling away without one.
It wasn’t that we were being reckless. It was just how things were done.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll hardly see a kid on a bike without a helmet. And rightly so! We now know better about the importance of head protection.
But back in the ’70s? Helmets, who needs ’em? We were all about living dangerously – and still, here we are, reminiscing about those thrilling rides.
2) Climbing trees way too high
Now here’s a fun memory! As a kid, I had this giant oak tree in my backyard, and boy did I love to climb it.
My friends and I would have competitions to see who could reach the highest branch. And while we were up there, we felt like kings of the world.
We didn’t have safety harnesses or adult supervision. It was just us kids, the tree, and our daring spirits.
Looking back now, I realize how risky that was. One misstep could have led to a serious fall.
But back then? It was all part of the adventure. And somehow, we all climbed down safely each time. Those were the days!
3) Riding in the back of pick-up trucks
In the ’70s, if there was a pickup truck and a group of us kids, you can bet we’d be in the back. We’d pile in, sit on the edge, let our legs dangle, and off we’d go.
We didn’t think about safety belts or even proper seats. It was all about the wind in your hair and the thrill of the ride.
However, transportation laws have since changed drastically. In most states today, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to ride in the back of a pickup truck unless it’s for a parade or on a farm.
Riding in the back was definitely a ’70s thing – risky at best, but undeniably fun.
4) Playing with lawn darts
Before they were banned in the ’80s, lawn darts – or “jarts”, as we used to call them – were a staple in every ’70s backyard.
These were not your regular, harmless darts. No, these were heavy, metal-tipped projectiles that we’d toss around without a second thought.
Sure, the objective was to aim for the plastic ring on the ground, but who could resist the temptation of seeing how high or far they could be thrown?
As thrilling as it was, we now know that lawn darts were responsible for thousands of injuries. It’s no wonder they got banned. But back in the day? It was just another exciting game for us ’70s kids.
5) Running free until the streetlights come on
I remember the rule like it was yesterday: “Be home when the streetlights come on”. That was my mom’s voice echoing in my ears.
We were allowed to roam free, exploring the neighborhood, playing with friends, and sometimes even venturing into the woods. No cell phones to check in, no GPS tracking. Just pure freedom and trust.
At times, I got lost, I had my share of scraped knees and close calls. But those experiences taught me so much about independence and problem-solving.
In today’s world of constant connectivity and surveillance, this level of freedom might seem unthinkable. But for us ’70s kids, it was just part of growing up.
6) No sunscreen, no problem
Remember those long summer days spent outdoors, soaking up the sun? Back in the ’70s, sunscreen wasn’t really on our radar.
We’d head out for a day at the beach or an afternoon at the park, with nothing but our swimsuits and maybe a hat for protection.
Today, we’re all well aware of the risks of skin cancer and the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But back then, a sunburn was just a sign of a day well-spent outdoors.
Unprotected sun exposure might be frowned upon today, but it was just another part of our ’70s childhood.
7) Seat belts? Optional
Here’s the big one: back in the ’70s, seat belt laws were lax, to say the least. Cars didn’t even have shoulder belts, just those lap ones that hardly anyone used.
We’d pile into the car, kids in the front seat, kids in the back seat, and off we’d go. No one was strapped in.
Today, it’s hard to imagine a car ride without immediately buckling up. We now understand how vital seat belts are in preventing serious injuries during accidents.
But back then? Seat belts were more of a suggestion than a rule. And yet, we lived to tell the tale.
A look back: Risky but resilient
The ’70s were certainly a different time. We were kids living on the edge, thriving on adventures and defying the dangers that now, as adults, we can clearly see.
Yet, there’s something to be said about the resilience of the ’70s kid. We did it all – biking without helmets, climbing tall trees, riding in the back of pick-up trucks – and yet, we survived.
Perhaps it was the era of innocence, or maybe it was just pure luck. But amidst all the dangerous exploits, we learned important life lessons about risk-taking, independence, and resilience.
This is not to say that safety isn’t important – it is vital. But reflecting on our ’70s childhood reminds us of a time when fear didn’t hold us back and every day was a thrilling adventure.
Today’s world is safer, more regulated, and that’s a good thing. But those ’70s kids? We’ll always have our memories of a time when life was one big daring escapade.
