Cycling Without Helmets
Kids were certainly not driven around by their mothers and fathers in the ’60s. They either had to walk or cycle, and cycling was the popular choice for sure. Just about every father taught their kid how to ride a bicycle. If they fell and scraped their knees, too bad.
If they fell on their heads, you guessed it, they had to suck it up too. Helmets became popularised much later, in fact, if you were seen with a helmet, you were probably a giant dork.
Community Parenting
With all the 'hands-on' parenting of today, no one would accept someone else telling them how to raise their kids. But in the '60s, parents from the community or neighborhood would have no issue disciplining someone else's child if necessary.
It was extremely common to see other kids' parents giving a little mischief-maker a good yelling, sometimes even a spanking. If that happened today, people would very quickly find themselves in a lawsuit.
The Chemistry Sets Were Not Okay
It's always great when kids test out scientific experiments, but what isn't okay is when these experiments can lead to super hazardous explosions. Like in the case of these old Gilbert Chemistry Sets.
These sets contained terribly flammable chemicals like ammonium nitrate - a chemical used in the creation of homemade bombs and potassium permanganate. Not so smart.
The Draft
One thing about the 1960s that is now unheard of, was the military draft. Young men of 18 years old would be drafted into the army to fight some of the world's toughest wars.
Today Americans who are 19-26 still have to make sure they register with the Selective Service System. But, thankfully, the draft doesn't exist the way it used to. Let's hope it stays that way.
Exploding Cars
It took some time to master the art of car making. Sadly there were cars, even well into the 70s which would just explode. As popular family cars, these often had kids in them!
A prime example of this? The Ford Pinto. These cars could explode due to the terribly designed fuel tank. Forget about not using seat belts.