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Child-rearing in socialist Czechoslovakia was influenced by the political and social conditions of the time. As they say, every era has its specifics, and that applies to child-rearing as well. This year, 30 years after the Velvet Revolution, is an ideal moment to reflect on what it was like “to be a child” in the era of socialism.
Child-rearing under socialism
During socialism great emphasis was placed on starting a family early. Women often became mothers already in their twenties, with society expecting young people to start a family and have children by the age of thirty. Late parenthood was rather an exception.
Food for the youngest was influenced by availability. Formula feeding was common and Sunar became synonymous with baby nutrition. Compared to today, when emphasis is placed on natural breastfeeding, children were often fed industrially produced infant formulas, even when there were no medical reasons for it.
Children’s equipment was completely different. New clothing was often unavailable, so most items were inherited or taken from acquaintances. Creative mothers often made children’s clothes themselves. Economic conditions and the shortage of goods on the market played a large role in how children were dressed and what they played with.
Childcare was more demanding because disposable diapers were not available. Parents used cloth diapers, which required constant washing and maintenance. From an ecological point of view that was positive, but in terms of convenience it was a big commitment for parents.
Popular names in different periods
Children’s names reflected contemporary trends and were often influenced by popular culture or historical events. Here are the most popular names for newborns in different periods:
1970s:
- Jana + Petr
- Petra + Martin
- Lenka + Jiří
- Martina + Pavel
1980s:
- Jana + Jan
- Lucie + Petr
- Petra + Martin
- Kateřina + Tomáš
Year 1989:
- Lucie + Jan
- Veronika + Tomáš
- Petra + Martin
- Kateřina + Petr
1990s:
- Kateřina + Jan
- Tereza + Tomáš
- Lucie + Martin
- Michaela + Jakub
Year 2000:
- Tereza + Jan
- Adéla + Jakub
- Eliška + Tomáš
- Natálie + Martin
Year 2019:
- Eliška + Jakub
- Anna + Jan
- Adéla + Tomáš
- Tereza + Tadeáš
- Sofie + Adam
Conclusion
Child-rearing in socialist Czechoslovakia was characterized by specific challenges and conditions that differed from today’s times. Memories of that period can be nostalgic for some and a reminder of harder times for others. Every generation of parents tried to provide their children with the best they could, regardless of the political or economic conditions of their time.
