Eliza Hartley
If you’re like me and grew up in the 70s, you know that life was a little different back then.
We didn’t have the fancy tech of today’s generation. We had to rely on simpler things.
And oh boy! Did those things shape us.
Sure, our parents were there, doing their best to guide us, but if we’re being honest, there were specific things from that era that probably did more of the raising.
Growing up in the 70s was a unique experience that helped us understand and navigate the world in a way that was truly transformative.
And that’s what I’m going to share with you today.
Buckle up, fellow 70s kids. It’s time to take a trip down memory lane.
1) The great outdoors
Ah, the great outdoors!
If you were raised in the 70s, chances are you spent a good chunk of your childhood playing outside.
We didn’t have tablets or game consoles to keep us glued to the couch. We had bikes, roller skates, and our imaginations.
And let me tell you, those days spent running around in the sun did more than just give us a good tan and strong legs.
They taught us about the world. We learned how to navigate our surroundings, how to interact with nature, and how to appreciate the simple things in life.
Most importantly, they taught us how to be present and mindful. We weren’t worried about what was happening online because, well, there was no online.
We were fully immersed in our games, our adventures, and in the beauty of the world around us.
Looking back, it’s clear that playing outside wasn’t just fun. It was transformative. It shaped our character, our values, and our perspective on life.
And for that, we have the great outdoors to thank.
2) Vinyl records and cassette tapes
Music was a big part of growing up in the 70s, and in my house, it was practically a religion.
I vividly remember the first time my dad introduced me to his vinyl collection.
He pulled out an old record, placed it on the turntable, and as the needle dropped, I heard The Beatles for the first time. It was magical.
Later on, when cassette tapes became a thing, I spent hours making mixtapes for my friends.
Carefully selecting each song, hitting record and play at the same time, waiting for the right moment to stop recording before the radio DJ started talking.
These experiences weren’t just about music. They were lessons in patience and appreciation.
In today’s world of instant downloads and streaming services, it’s easy to forget the value of waiting for something you love or the joy of sharing something you’ve created with others.
Music wasn’t just a pastime. It was a teacher.
And those vinyl records and cassette tapes played a big role in shaping who I am today.
3) Saturday morning cartoons
Saturday mornings in the 70s were sacred. They were reserved for sitting in front of the TV, bowl of cereal in hand, watching hours of cartoons.
From “Scooby-Doo” to “The Flintstones,” these shows were more than just entertainment.
They were our introduction to storytelling, humor, and sometimes even life lessons.
For instance, did you know that “Sesame Street,” one of the most popular shows of the time, was actually designed to be educational?
Its creators wanted to use television to prepare young children for school, especially those from low-income families.
While we were laughing at Big Bird and Grover’s antics, we were also learning about numbers, letters, and social values.
In essence, Saturday morning cartoons were an early form of edutainment, shaping our young minds without us even realizing it.
4) The local library
Before Google, there was the library. And if you were a 70s kid, this place was your sanctuary.
The library was where we learned to love reading.
It was where we discovered new worlds, met inspiring characters, and learned about different cultures.
We could spend hours browsing the shelves, picking out books and then losing ourselves in their stories.
But the library also taught us valuable life lessons. We learned about responsibility when we borrowed books and had to return them on time.
We learned about respect for community resources when we were reminded to handle the books with care.
It was our first taste of independence too.
Making our own choices, exploring our interests, and feeding our curiosity without any adult supervision.
The local library was more than just a building full of books.
It was a cornerstone of our childhood, shaping our minds and hearts in ways that still resonate today.
5) Family road trips
There’s nothing quite like a family road trip to teach you about life.
I remember how we used to pile into our family station wagon, my dad at the wheel and my mom navigating with a paper map.
These trips were an adventure. They exposed me to different places, different people, and different ways of life.
I learned about geography, history, and patience (especially when my younger brother wouldn’t stop asking “Are we there yet?”).
But these trips also taught me about family bonds and making memories.
We’d laugh at dad’s bad jokes, sing along to mom’s favorite songs on the radio, and play “I spy” to pass the time.
Those road trips were more than just vacations.
They were shared experiences that brought us closer together as a family, and they played a huge part in shaping who I am today.
6) Lack of technology
It might seem strange to say this, but growing up in the 70s, our lack of technology was actually a blessing.
Sure, we didn’t have smartphones, laptops or social media. But that meant we had to find other ways to entertain ourselves.
We used our imaginations, created our own games, and actually talked to each other face-to-face.
Without Google, we had to figure things out for ourselves or ask others for help.
This fostered a sense of curiosity and taught us the value of problem-solving and human connection.
Even though it might have seemed like we were missing out, the absence of today’s tech-heavy world allowed us to develop critical thinking, creativity, and social skills that have served us well throughout our lives.
7) Schoolyard games
Who can forget the countless hours spent in the schoolyard playing games?
From “Duck, Duck, Goose” to “Red Rover,” these games were a staple of our childhood.
But they weren’t just about having fun. They were our introduction to teamwork, strategy, and fair play. We learned how to communicate, cooperate, and negotiate rules.
Sometimes we even had to handle defeat and celebrate victory gracefully.
These games also encouraged physical activity and taught us about the importance of staying active.
Schoolyard games were more than just child’s play.
They were mini life lessons wrapped up in fun and laughter, subtly preparing us for the bigger challenges of adulthood.
8) Freedom and independence
Perhaps the biggest thing that shaped us as 70s kids was the level of freedom and independence we had.
We were allowed to walk to school by ourselves, play outside until the streetlights came on, and spend whole days exploring our neighborhoods with friends.
We were trusted to make our own decisions and learn from our mistakes.
This freedom taught us independence, problem-solving, and self-reliance. It forced us to be resourceful and creative.
And it instilled in us a sense of responsibility that has stayed with us throughout our lives.
The freedom and independence we experienced as children in the 70s was truly transformative, making us the resilient, adaptable adults we are today.
Embracing the lessons of the past
As we look back and reflect on our childhood in the 70s, it’s clear that it was a unique time that deeply influenced who we are today.
The freedom, independence, and simplicity of those times taught us to be resilient, adaptable, and appreciative of the simple things.
From Saturday morning cartoons to family road trips, these experiences were more than just nostalgic memories.
They were powerful life lessons that shaped our character and values.
Let’s take a moment to honor those formative experiences and the powerful impact they’ve had on our lives.
Because growing up in the 70s wasn’t just about surviving without smartphones or Google.
It was about learning to navigate life with curiosity, resilience, and a sense of wonder.
If someone has that, they are not just a 70s kid. They are probably a great person to be around.
