Growing up in the 60s or 70s meant a world without smartphones, social media, or constant connectivity—yet life was rarely dull.
From vinyl records spinning classic rock to the scratchy thrill of black-and-white TV, these decades cultivated a unique set of “unspoken rules” that shaped many of us in ways we’re still unraveling today.
I distinctly recall neighborhood kids gathering in my family’s backyard until the streetlights flickered on. Nobody needed to text or call; we just knew where to meet.
It might sound simple by modern standards, but that simplicity also hid some powerful lessons.
Let’s explore seven of those unspoken rules most 60s and 70s kids will recognize in a heartbeat.
1. You respected (and maybe even feared) your elders
One unwritten but widely accepted standard of that era was to treat adults—whether it was a parent, teacher, or the friendly neighbor next door—with respect.
You stood up when they entered a room, used proper titles like “Sir” or “Ma’am,” and rarely (if ever) dared to talk back.
I can still remember the look on my father’s face the first time I mouthed off to an uncle at a family gathering. Let’s just say I never tried that again.
The idea of respecting authority figures was so ingrained that even just a stern glance from an adult could straighten you right up.
It taught us discipline, patience, and sometimes a bit of healthy fear (although these days, I’m glad the culture has evolved to allow more open communication between generations).
If you grew up during this time, you might still find yourself standing a bit taller around those who are older than you, even now.
Perhaps that’s not such a bad thing—showing respect taught us the value of humility and courtesy, qualities that can feel a little lost in today’s fast-paced world.
2. You knew chores weren’t optional
“Finish your chores before you go out to play.” That’s what so many of us heard on Saturday mornings, right after we rolled out of bed.
Whether it was mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, or doing the dishes, you knew you had to get it done. No excuses.
Being held accountable for household chores gave us a sense of responsibility early on.
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Over time, it was almost second nature to complete those daily duties without expecting a gold star or a pat on the back in return.
Research backs up the idea that consistent responsibility in childhood can foster greater independence and leadership skills later in life.
For sure, all those mornings spent reluctantly scrubbing dishes actually had a deeper impact than we realized.
3. You spent most of your free time outdoors
Back in the day, there was an unwritten rule that you didn’t lounge around the house for hours on end.
You got fresh air, even if it meant riding your bike around the block or making up some improvised game in the driveway.
And, more often than not, you didn’t come back inside until dinnertime.
Some of my fondest memories involve heading off with my siblings to the nearby creek for a makeshift fishing expedition.
We rarely caught anything worth writing home about, but the adventure was the point.
While we were off exploring, we learned independence, creativity, and how to deal with small risks (like the time my best friend slipped and got soaked from head to toe).
Our neighborhood was a huge outdoor playground that taught us self-reliance in subtle ways.
We scuffed our knees, climbed trees, and got into friendly scraps, all of which helped mold our resilience.
4. You kept certain family matters private
When I was growing up, there was a clear message: “What happens in this house stays in this house.” Family issues rarely left the four walls of your home.
You might share a laugh with your best friend about silly things like your dad’s corny jokes, but you definitely didn’t discuss serious topics in public.
This rule had its pros and cons. On one hand, it fostered a sense of loyalty and unity within the family. You learned that some matters were personal and deserved careful handling.
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On the other hand, it sometimes meant more serious problems went unspoken—like a tense marriage or struggles with finances—because discussing them openly just wasn’t the norm.
I’m no know-it-all, but I believe this approach shaped our generation’s sense of discretion and empathy.
We learned how to read a room and understand when it was appropriate to share and when it wasn’t.
Still, I think today’s world, which emphasizes mental health and open communication, offers a healthier balance between privacy and seeking help when needed.
5. You took care of your belongings
If something broke, you fixed it. If your jeans ripped, you patched them up. And if your bike chain popped off, you figured out how to reattach it.
Living through a time when not everything was readily disposable taught a solid lesson in resourcefulness.
I remember how I saved up for my first skateboard—an old secondhand hand-me-down from a friend of a friend.
When I finally got it, I cherished every scuff and scratch because it represented the hard work it took to earn it.
This was an era where you didn’t just toss something out if it was past its prime; you tried to revive it, reuse it, or repurpose it.
And that attitude served us well, teaching us frugality and deep appreciation for the value of our belongings.
6. You solved your own social issues (mostly)
Back in those days, if two kids had a disagreement on the playground, teachers or parents didn’t typically jump in right away.
You were expected to handle it—whether that meant walking away, talking it out, or, occasionally, scrapping it out (though I wouldn’t recommend that last option).
I recall a time in middle school when I had a spat with a friend over something silly—a borrowed cassette tape that got lost. We didn’t drag our parents or the principal into it.
Instead, we hashed it out behind the school, probably with a bit too much yelling. Eventually, we resolved it and were joking about it a week later.
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This rule, in hindsight, taught us negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, which come in handy as adults.
That’s not to say bullying or serious issues should have gone ignored—sometimes, bigger problems definitely required intervention.
But there was a baseline assumption that everyday squabbles were part of growing up, and you had to learn to work through them.
Here at GE Editing, we often talk about how personal experiences shape communication styles, and this is a prime example. Facing issues head-on, even in the slightest ways, can help mold effective communicators.
7. You knew that family came first
Last but not least, one of the most defining unspoken rules was the emphasis on family unity.
Whether it was a weekly Sunday dinner or a big holiday gathering, everything revolved around togetherness. You were expected to show up, help out, and be present.
I remember how my grandparents hosted huge cookouts every summer. Uncles, aunts, cousins, and second cousins all gathered in the backyard for grilling, lawn games, and endless stories about the “good old days.”
As a kid, you didn’t always appreciate the value of these moments—sometimes, you just wanted to run off and play with your cousins—but looking back, those gatherings laid the groundwork for family bonds that still exist today.
Even as life took people in different directions, that sense of “We stick together” carried over. If someone was in trouble or needed support, you stepped up.
It was understood, not discussed. And that’s something I believe we should carry forward, even in the midst of modern chaos.
Wrapping up
Those of us who grew up in the 60s or 70s had no shortage of life lessons—many of them unspoken yet consistently enforced by the world around us.
While times have certainly changed, these rules still form the foundation of who we are: resilient, respectful, resourceful, and, hopefully, a little wiser for it.
Which of these unspoken rules ring true for you? And if you’re passing them on to the next generation, how are you adapting them for today’s world? Food for thought, my friends.
After all, it’s in remembering where we came from that we figure out how best to move forward.
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