Each generation’s style of parenting is going to be different. How we parent now is very, very different from how parenting was done in the early centuries and even during the last century.

Parents nowadays adopt either a permissive, hands-off, authoritarian, or authoritative parenting style, or a combination of these styles. This has definitely become an evolution of the parenting styles from decades and generations before.

And sometimes, it’s nice to look at the parenting styles from before and see the evolution or how different it was from today’s style.

Today’s parents are in luck because they get to see how parenting was like back in the days, captured in photos.

*Warning. Some of these photos are going to be either funny or controversial.

1. Arranged marriages

Yes. As soon as babies were born and before they even grow up to be toddlers or school-aged children, their marriages to their fellow babies have already been arranged. Parents have already promised their children to other families in exchange for dowries. Sometimes, this is driven by customs and traditions. And other times, it is driven by poverty and desperation.

2. Babies in cages

It was recommended that babies needed to get as much fresh air as they could. But during the older times, it was hard to go out and made sure this happened, especially during the mass urbanization times of the 1930s. This is what they did. They built a cage by their windows and placed the baby in the cage so they can get fresh air. Say what now?

3. Babies and beer

Even though this particular photo was a spoof of a 7-up ad, the beer-guzzling baby tale is actually true. In the Middle Ages, water was severely contaminated and no one was allowed to drink it. No one, not even babies. What other beverage options did they have? Beer. And gin. Yes, this was what even babies drank.

4. Smoking pregnant women

Cigarette companies told pregnant women to smoke cigarettes, while pregnant because they taste good. And they also pregnant women to smoke so their babies will be born skinny. Sound logic right there!

5. Baby comfy

Car seats were very different in the older days. The companies made cribs that the baby can sleep in at home and can simply attach to the car when mothers need to bring their babies. “The safest way, the doctors say.” Are you sure, doc?

6. Babies on a scooter

And if you only have a scooter, it’s not a problem! There’s a baby seat for scooters, too. Well, at least he’s got his helmet on.

7. Toddler car seat

When your baby grows up and can no longer fit in the baby comfy, you’ll need a bigger seat. How about this car seat laid on top of the passenger seat? And the toddler’s sitting in front with his mom. Wow.

8. Crib with guns

Thug life started early for this young girl. Her crib is surrounded by different guns. And she’s even holding one! What is going on here?

9. No human touch

John B. Watson, the founder of behaviorism, told parents back then that they shouldn’t be affectionate or play with their children. He believed this will make it difficult for the child to enter the real world where there is no love and affection. What bad parenting advice!

10. The Tot Cot

This is the Sky Cot, placed in airplanes on the overhead bin. This is where parents will place their babies during the entire duration of the flight. Don’t worry. There’s a protective net so the babies won’t fall off the Sky Cot during turbulence.

11. The tables have turned

The dog in the carrier? The toddler on a leash? My, how the tables have turned. What’s next?

12. Baby in a bar

This is how parents rolled in the 80s. Bars are also frequented by parents with their babies in tow. “Excuse me, bartender, have you got baby formula on tap?”

Feeling better about your own parenting style now?

Would you like to learn more about parenting advice and style from the olden days? Watch the video below.

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Source: TODAY