Boomer children are people who were born between 1946 and 1964. This is the first generation after the war, some of whom even experienced the economic miracle of the 1950s. To this day, the so-called boomers are among the generations with the highest birth rates in Germany. This term is associated by young people with the meme “OK, Boomer”. Boomer children were born during the growing economy after the Second World War. For boomers, values such as idealism and health are of particular importance. This generation included many individuals with specific characteristics that, while not common to all, were still very prevalent.
These Strange Things Boomer Children Did in the Past
Children played outside without supervision
Back then there were no cell phones, computers or video games, children still enjoyed playing outside in nature. They spent the whole day outside with their friends and siblings. There didn’t seem to be any safety issues back then. Since parents felt completely safe in their neighborhood, they didn’t have to worry about their offspring. Furthermore, children did not often walk alone, but rather with their siblings or in groups. It was therefore common to be unsupervised outside.
Children playing outside without supervision
Sometimes there were spankings
Sometimes there was a spanking if you behaved badly as a child. Either the hand or, even worse, the belt was used. So the children benefited greatly from not being at home with their father and mother during the day. However, when the children were with their parents, they were strict and there was iron discipline in those days. This kind of punishment is hardly accepted nowadays, quite the opposite. This approach causes outrage, and occasionally the youth welfare office is even called.
Sometimes there were beatings
Drinking from the garden hose
If you were thirsty, it was common back then to turn on the tap and have a drink. Sometimes the garden hose was used when the children played in the garden on warm days. After a while they were thirsty. At that time, nobody would have thought that water from the garden hose or tap could be harmful. It was just normal and there were no worries about such things. In summer, a garden hose was quite normal. Not only could you use it to drink, but also to cool each other down.
Drinking from the garden hose
The children walked to school
As a child, we often walked miles to school if there was a corridor. It’s hard to imagine that nowadays, as some areas are no longer so safe. Parents are not very happy about their children going to school. Especially when the offspring are still quite small. Back then, times were different and there was no problem giving your child some space. The children were not completely alone anyway, but were together with older siblings or neighbors. They then accompanied them to school.
The children walked to school
Education was not just a matter for parents
Nowadays, if someone else interfered in their children’s education, parents would never accept it. In the 1960s, however, there were often cases where children were disciplined by parents from the neighborhood if necessary. It was almost common for parents to shout at other parents’ children if they were disruptive. There was even the occasional slap on the back of the head. Such interference in parenting is completely unimaginable today. It would result in charges and later court proceedings. Fortunately, times can change for the better.
Education was not just a matter for parents
There were many latchkey children
Many mothers returned to work in the 1960s. Nowadays it is common for mothers to work, but back then facilities were necessary. These had to be available for children whose parents worked. However, this was not always feasible. So some children stayed at home alone for a while after school. But this was not a problem for them as they were already going out to play without supervision. It was fun for them to be on their own and they enjoyed dinner in front of the TV.
There were lots of latchkey kids
Welcome cooling off from the fire hydrant
A fire hydrant shower was particularly popular in larger towns. In summer, it was common to open the hydrants, allowing sweaty children to cool off after playing in the street. If the authorities were unable to open the fire hydrants, most of the older siblings took on this task. This way, all the children who were nearby could take a quick shower to cool off. It was safe to say that everyone had a lot of fun and didn’t even think about the fact that the water quality wasn’t the best.
Welcome cooling off from the fire hydrant
Childproofing only came later
Nowadays, childproof sockets or closures on medicines, for example, ensure that children are not exposed to any risks at all. This prevents them from harming themselves. These things could be very dangerous, especially for small children. At that time, however, these safety devices were not yet available and children played with dangerous objects if they wanted to. They also managed to reach sockets more often. Some parents’ hair must have stood on end just thinking about it. Fortunately, today practically everything is secured so that nothing can happen to children.
The child safety lock only came later
Crying boys were not welcome
It is perfectly normal for children to occasionally fall down while playing or riding their bikes and suffer injuries. Then they cry when they are scared or feel pain. However, things were different a few decades ago. At that time, boys were taught that men didn’t cry because they were strong and big. You can also feel the change of time here, as it doesn’t matter whether you are a boy or a girl when you cry. Nowadays it is known that everyone is allowed to cry, whether a young boy or a strong man.
Crying boys were not welcome
Children were sent off with a shopping list
Some may remember the situation: the mother sends a little note asking them to get these things in the little shop. This also gave the little ones the knowledge to take responsibility. At that time, the world was even safer and it was possible to take the children shopping without worrying. This is unimaginable today, as the child could end up in a dangerous situation. It would be desirable if this could eventually change again. Parents prefer to do their shopping alone until then.
Children were sent out with a shopping list
Daughters had to stay at home
Fathers are certainly still overprotective these days, but they are less strict. In the 1960s, their daughters’ admirers more or less had doors in front of their noses. In an emergency, the father also used a hunting rifle to intimidate the young man, of course. People didn’t like dating daughters. In contrast, sons had greater rights and were even given permission to go out. It took several years before the girls finally became more relaxed and were also allowed to go out. Parents had to learn to trust their daughters.
