When we were growing up, rules were rules, and our parents loved to drill them into us. While we might have adopted a more gentle parenting approach, many of the rules ingrained in us while outdated, in hindsight, came with a lot of wisdom. Today’s kids might benefit from listening to and following some of this advice. Let’s explore some nostalgic gems and why these rules might be worth bringing back.
1. You Had to Eat What Was on Your Plate or Go Hungry
This rule was a staple of family dinners back in the day. Parents enforced it to instill an appreciation for food and ensure you weren’t wasteful. The underlying principle was to teach gratitude and help you understand that not everyone had the luxury of food on the table. In today’s world, where food is easily accessible and picky eating is more tolerated, kids need to understand the effort that goes into preparing a meal, that dessert is a reward, and that sitting at the table to eat with your family is sacred.
2. You Had to Save Your Own Money
Our parents were quick to tell us that money didn’t grow on trees, and we knew better than to ask for something without getting a lecture. Nor did we have access to their Amazon or Seamless accounts. We learned the value of the dollar early, and by being encouraged to save, we learned financial independence. There was something deeply satisfying about saving your hard-earned pocket money into your piggy bank and cracking it open to see how much it had grown. This also meant you could afford your long-wished-for splurge. Given their love of instant gratification and the rise of digital currency, today’s kids lack an understanding and connection to money, so reinforcing financial independence is crucial.
3. You Had to Play Outside Until Dark
In an era before screens dominated our every waking moment, this rule encouraged physical activity, social interaction, and getting the kids outside in nature. It was more than just getting kids out of the house; it was about allowing children to explore their surroundings and gain independence. In today’s digital age, where kids spend hours on their phones and even hang out with their friends while playing alone on their phones, it’s important to encourage them to learn to play without technology, which is sadly almost a notion that’s lost on them.
4. You Had to Clean Up After Yourself
This rule was drilled into children to teach them responsibility and consideration for others and to learn the importance of doing their fair share at home. Today’s kids seem to consider us live-in maids, which could be a backlash to our gentle parenting style. Being told you needed to clean up after yourself helped you develop a sense of personal responsibility and independence as you were forced to take ownership of your needs and contribute to chores. This also made you understand you were part of a family dynamic and set the stage for pulling your weight in life.
5. You Had to Respect Your Elders
Being told to respect elders was more than just a rule; it was a fundamental aspect of social etiquette. It instilled an appreciation for the wisdom and experience of older generations and showed you were raised with manners. Teaching kids to respect their elders is a valuable lesson in a world where ageism and generational divides have become more common. It helps children respect and appreciate diverse perspectives and learn from the experiences of others, which creates a more inclusive and empathetic mindset.
6. You Had to Keep Quiet in the Car
This rule, often employed during road trips or when your parents were spent from shuttling you around, was intended to maintain order and discipline. It was less about the actual threat and more about ensuring a peaceful, respectful environment. Today’s parents approach this rule differently by setting clear expectations and consequences rather than resorting to threats. Teaching children the reasons behind rules and the importance of self-regulation can help them understand the importance of everyone’s boundaries and maintaining a harmonious environment.
7. You Had to Mind Your Manners and Watch Your Mouth
This rule was about instilling respect, discipline, and being a good human being. Teaching manners and not using inappropriate language was a way to promote respectful interactions, and our parents never wanted to feel embarrassed by our behavior. Instead of using fear as a motivator, today’s parents should focus on consistent discipline and open communication. By helping kids understand the reasons behind rules and the importance of respectful behavior, they develop a stronger sense of self and social awareness.
8. You Couldn’t Talk with Your Mouth Full
This rule was about basic table manners, which were a big deal in our parents’ day. Talking with your mouth full was considered rude and impolite. It taught children the importance of eating properly and respecting others at the table. Emphasizing proper eating habits and table manners can promote better social etiquette and help children be more self-aware. Not to mention it’s more hygienic.
9. You Couldn’t Leave the Table Until Everyone Was Finished
Family meals were nightly rituals, and parents enforced this rule to encourage family bonding and good behavior over meals. It was about teaching patience and the importance of shared family time and respecting others. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to make time to have a meal with the family at a table to encourage children to appreciate family time, foster healthier eating habits, and strengthen family connections.
10. You Had to Learn That No Meant No
This rule taught boundaries, reinforced consent, and ensured children respected authority, especially their parents’ word. Today’s kids are all about instant gratification and want everything yesterday. They also find it hard to take no for an answer. In a world where discussions about consent and personal boundaries are increasingly important, reinforcing this rule is crucial. It helps children understand the significance of respecting others’ decisions and learning that you can’t always get what you want. Plain and simple.
11. You Had to Try Your Best in School
Encouraging children to do their best in school was about valuing hard work. It was a way to promote discipline, resilience, and understanding there was a time for work and a time for play. This rule taught them that hard work and perseverance are more important than achieving high grades or trying to be perfect. In today’s competitive environment, reinforcing the importance of effort and learning from failures rather than focusing on success can help children develop a healthy, balanced, and resilient mindset.
12. You Couldn’t Ruin Your Appetite
Parents used this rule to ensure their children didn’t spoil their appetite with snacks before dinner. It was also about ensuring they had proper nutrition and didn’t overload on junk. Not that we were really allowed to help ourselves to anything in the fridge; you had to ask first. Understanding this rule today can help children develop healthier eating habits, and it emphasizes the importance of sitting down to dinner as a way to connect and have structure.
13. You Couldn’t Blow Bubbles with a Straw
This rule was about maintaining table manners, preventing mess, and not driving your parents up the wall. Blowing bubbles with a straw led to spilled drinks and frazzled nerves. It was a way to encourage proper behavior, etiquette, and consideration for others. Reinforcing this rule can help children develop better table manners, be more aware of their behavior, and take more responsibility for their actions.
14. You Had to Make Your Bed Every Morning
Making your bed every morning was a non-negotiable rule to instill discipline and a sense of order. It also helped kids take ownership of their space and start the day with a small accomplishment and a tidy environment. According to an article in Verywell Mind, research suggests that making your bed every morning can boost mood, increase focus, reduce stress levels, and set you up for success. Go ahead and enforce it in your home; it will teach your children the value of a tidy space, the benefits of a daily routine, and promote positive habits.
15. You Had to Wait for Your Food to Digest Before Swimming
This rule was enforced as it was based on the belief that swimming immediately after a meal could lead to cramps and health issues. While modern understanding of digestion may not support this rule, it still highlights the importance of listening to your body and allowing it time to digest your food. It also teaches children to slow down and be more mindful before jumping from one activity to the next.
16. You Had to Ask Before Inviting Friends Over
This rule was about respecting your parents’ authority and having to ask permission to do things. It also taught children about respect for family time and the importance of communication and maintaining peace and harmony in the home. In today’s context, teaching kids to consider their family’s needs before inviting friends helps them understand that there are boundaries.