Gen X, born roughly between 1965 and 1980, grew up in a world that was vastly different from the one we live in today.
Their childhoods were marked by freedom, DIY fun, and a lack of modern conveniences that seem unimaginable to younger generations. Weirdly enough, they didn’t feel like they missed out on anything. In fact, many people in this generation are glad they grew up when they did. Here are just some of the things they enjoyed as kids that wouldn’t usually be entertained these days.
1. Playing outside all day without supervision
For Gen X kids, summer days meant disappearing after breakfast and not returning home until dinner. Parents trusted that kids would stay safe, and there were no mobile phones for constant check-ins. Today’s parents wouldn’t dream of letting their children roam so freely.
2. Drinking straight from the garden hose
When thirst struck during an intense game of tag, Gen X kids didn’t run inside for a bottle of water—they turned to the garden hose. It was convenient, and nobody worried about germs or water quality. These days, most kids wouldn’t think of drinking anything that’s not filtered (or rather, their parents wouldn’t be too pleased about it!).
3. Riding in cars without seatbelts or sitting in the back of a van with no seats
Car safety was much more relaxed. Seatbelts were optional, and it wasn’t uncommon for kids to pile into the back of a van or ride in a car without any restraints. Today, strict seatbelt laws and car seat regulations make this unthinkable, and for good reason.
4. Smoking was everywhere—even around kids
Smoking indoors, in cars, and even on aeroplanes was normal when Gen X was growing up. Kids were often surrounded by cigarette smoke, and nobody thought twice about it. Today, the health risks are well-known, and smoking in enclosed spaces is heavily restricted.
5. Using encyclopedias for school projects
Before Google, Wikipedia, and ChatGPT, Gen X relied on encyclopedias for research. These hefty books were often outdated and limited in scope, but they were the go-to source for school assignments. Kids today can access a world of information instantly, making encyclopedias obsolete.
6. Watching whatever was on TV because there was no on-demand
With no streaming services or DVRs, Gen X kids watched whatever was on the few available channels. If you missed your favourite show, tough luck—you’d have to wait for a rerun. Today, kids have endless choices at their fingertips, anytime they want.
7. Making prank calls for fun
Prank calls were a popular pastime, with kids dialling random numbers and saying silly things to strangers. Caller ID didn’t exist, so there was little risk of being caught. Now, prank calls are nearly extinct, thanks to advanced phone tracking and a cultural shift toward privacy.
8. Taking candy from strangers on Halloween
Trick-or-treating was a carefree event, and kids happily accepted homemade treats like candy apples from neighbours (though admittedly, this was more popular in America than in the UK). Today, many parents inspect every sweet for tampering, and anything homemade is often thrown away out of caution.
9. Being unreachable for hours
If a Gen X kid went to a friend’s house or the local park, their parents couldn’t contact them. They just trusted that they’d come back safely. With today’s smartphones and GPS tracking, kids are almost always reachable, and parents can check their location with a tap.
10. Using phone boxes to call home
If you needed to call home, you’d head to the nearest phone box and hope you had enough change — they were a lifeline for kids out and about. Today, phone boxes are almost extinct, and the idea of not having a mobile phone is unfathomable to most kids.
11. Playing with “dangerous” toys
From lawn darts to chemistry sets with real chemicals, Gen X kids had toys that would make today’s parents gasp. Safety standards were far looser, and kids often learned the hard way about the risks. Today, toy safety is rigorously enforced, with recalls for even minor hazards.
12. Being left home alone at a young age
“Latchkey kids” were common in Gen X, with children coming home to an empty house after school. They’d let themselves in, make a snack, and entertain themselves until their parents returned. Today, many parents wouldn’t leave young kids unsupervised for fear of judgment—or worse, legal trouble.
13. Waiting weeks for photos to be developed
Taking pictures wasn’t an instant gratification experience. Gen X used film cameras, and you’d have to wait days or weeks for the prints to be developed. Often, you didn’t even know if the pictures turned out well until you picked them up. In the digital age, the idea of waiting for photos is almost laughable.
