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In childhood we experienced a world that was different from today’s. Although our parents used methods that would cause horror today, we survived and even enjoyed a childhood full of adventure and joy. How did we manage it all? Let’s recall what it looked like back then.
Traveling like a sack of potatoes
Seat belts and child seats? They were still in their infancy. On long car journeys we were often crammed together like a sack of potatoes, with the risk of an accident at least accompanied by a hefty dose of adrenaline.
Free play and outdoor fun
Playing outside until dusk was the norm. We were free, without constant supervision. Bicycles, scooters, a game of tag – all of that was fun that kept us occupied, and technologies like tablets or phones were far off on the horizon.
Passive smoking and tastings of alcohol
We were exposed to passive smoke, often sitting on our parents’ laps in small kitchens full of cigarette smoke. And we tasted wine and beer, often on our parents’ laps, supposedly „not wanting it“. Although we tasted it occasionally, it never occurred to us that it could be harmful.
Food that wasn’t washed
Grandparents often gave us various fruit that was far from ripe – sour, bitter, or even unripe grapes. And although we ate it without washing, we never got sick.
Playing without disinfectant and independence
We walked barefoot in the yard and played with all the household pets. Hand sanitizers? They probably didn’t even exist yet. And yet we avoided most illnesses thanks to natural exposure to microbes.
Independent life and our own keys
We went to school on our own, and we wore the apartment key around our neck. Parents didn’t accompany us, and we had to learn independence and responsibility from an early age.
Cooking and birthday parties
We used a gas stove every day to heat food, and at birthday parties we enjoyed homemade cakes and refreshments. Bouncy castles and fast food? All of that came much later.
Caring for siblings and simple hygiene
We took care of younger siblings and showering was more of an occasional affair. Soap was the main means of hygiene, and although we sometimes washed only rarely, everything was fine.
Overcoming all obstacles
Our childhood wasn’t always without problems – occasionally we got disciplinary slaps or were pulled by the ears. But all these experiences shaped us and made us resilient.
Today we look at it with nostalgia and realize that, although it wasn’t always easy, it had its charm. Our memories of childhood are full of adventure and beautiful moments that shaped us. And although the conditions were different, we survived and grew into strong and independent individuals.
