Let me tell you, growing up in the 60s and 70s was a whole different world. No smartphones, no social media, just good old-fashioned living.
If you were a kid back then, some values weren’t just nice to have—they were non-negotiable. Even today, I catch myself holding on to them, sometimes without even realizing it.
If you’re nodding along, you’ll totally get what I mean. Here are 8 values that define a true child of the 60s and 70s.
1) Your Word Is Your Bond
Back in the day, promises weren’t just words. If you said you’d do something, people expected you to follow through. Period.
I remember once borrowing a neighbor’s bike as a kid. I promised I’d return it before dinner, and you bet I did—even though it was scorching hot outside and I could’ve kept it for an extra hour. My parents drilled it into me: “A person’s word is their honor.”
Even now, I find myself keeping promises no matter how small, because breaking them feels… wrong. IMO, there’s something timeless about being someone people can trust without second-guessing.
2) Respect Isn’t Given, It’s Earned, But Courtesy Is Universal
Growing up, we were taught two things about respect:
- Respect adults and authority—but only if they earned it.
- Courtesy is non-negotiable—say “please,” “thank you,” and mind your manners.
I had a coach who was tough as nails. He didn’t demand respect; he earned it through fairness and knowledge. And sure, some adults back then acted like they deserved respect by default—but we learned quickly that respect must be mutual.
Still today, I treat people kindly no matter who they are. It’s just basic human decency. FYI, that little habit opens more doors than any flashy resume ever could.
3) Hard Work Is the Only Path Worth Taking
This one’s huge. Kids today might grow up thinking success comes easy, but for us, hard work was everything.
I remember summer days spent mowing lawns for neighbors, painting fences, or delivering newspapers. It was tiring, but it taught me that nothing valuable comes without effort. That work ethic still sticks with me.
Even in adulthood, I catch myself preferring the satisfying feeling of earning something the hard way. There’s no substitute for rolling up your sleeves and getting it done yourself.
4) Family Obligations Come Before Personal Convenience
Family first—always. That was drilled into us from day one. If grandma needed a hand with groceries or your cousin needed a ride, you didn’t say no.
I recall a Saturday afternoon when I had plans to hang out with friends, but my dad asked me to help him fix the car. I grumbled, sure, but I went. Looking back, those moments taught me the value of loyalty and being there for people who matter most.
Even now, I find myself prioritizing family events or helping relatives without thinking twice. It’s like a built-in GPS for life: family first, everything else second.
5) You Finish What You Start
If you started a project, homework, or even a DIY experiment, quitting halfway just wasn’t acceptable.
I still remember building a birdhouse in my backyard with my dad. The thing looked lopsided at first, and I wanted to give up. But he said, “You don’t quit until it’s done.” I kept hammering away, and when it finally stood upright, the sense of accomplishment was unreal.
This value has followed me into adulthood. Whether it’s finishing a work project or learning a new skill, I stick with it until the job is done. Completing what you start builds resilience—something kids today could definitely use more of.
6) Waste Nothing
Growing up, wasting food, clothes, or even paper was a big no-no. Every resource had value.
I remember my mom saving leftover bread to make toast the next day, or my dad patching up holes in his old clothes instead of tossing them. It seemed annoying at the time, but now I totally get it: nothing should go to waste if you can help it.
Even small habits, like reusing jars or repurposing old furniture, make me feel like I’m honoring that value. In today’s throwaway culture, holding on to this principle feels both practical and grounding.
7) Privacy Matters and Some Things Should Stay Private
This one is tricky nowadays, but back then, not everything was shared with everyone. Families had boundaries, and you respected them.
I remember once sneaking a peek at my sister’s diary as a kid—it felt thrilling, but my parents made it clear that personal thoughts were sacred. Privacy wasn’t just about keeping secrets; it was about respecting personal space.
Even now, I find myself carefully choosing what to share online or in conversation. Some things just aren’t meant for public eyes, and that’s a lesson I appreciate more as the world gets noisier every day.
8) You Take Care of Your Own Problems
Back then, whining or waiting for someone else to fix your issues was frowned upon. If you had a problem, you faced it head-on.
I remember breaking my bike chain one summer. Instead of running to my dad immediately, I tried fixing it myself first. Sure, I needed help eventually, but the experience taught me self-reliance and resourcefulness.
Even today, I tend to tackle problems on my own before asking for help. It’s not about stubbornness—it’s about owning your life and responsibilities, a lesson worth holding onto.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it—8 values that scream “child of the 60s and 70s”.
- Your word is your bond
- Respect is earned, courtesy is universal
- Hard work is everything
- Family comes first
- Finish what you start
- Waste nothing
- Privacy matters
- Take care of your own problems
If you grew up with these values, you probably still carry them in some way—even if the world around you doesn’t always get it. And honestly? Holding onto them feels like a superpower in today’s fast-paced, instant-gratification culture.
So next time you find yourself patching up old clothes, keeping a promise, or finishing a project you started months ago, just smile and say, “Yep, this is what being a 60s/70s kid looks like.”
