Parenting
The ’70s-Style Parenting Approach by Sarah Thompson
Updated: July 29, 2016 | Originally Published: April 8, 2005
One afternoon, I entered the bathroom and was greeted by a closed toilet lid—something my youngest had taken to doing to “keep the cats from falling in.” As I lifted the lid, I recoiled, mistaking a sudden burst of color for a lurking spider ready to pounce. Thankfully, it was just a large, vibrant Killington Mountain sticker, which made our toilet resemble something out of a college dorm or a busy mall restroom.
My eldest daughter walked in, beaming with pride. “Do you like it?”
I’ve always aimed to provide what I call a “’70s-style” upbringing for my daughters. They draw with chalk on the garage floor and hang ribbons from the stair railings. Outside, they have a fort where their imaginations can run wild, filled with what others might consider junk, but to my girls, it’s pure treasure. We embrace creativity, crafting with leftover ribbons and odd shapes from Amazon packages.
While we do impose some structure to avoid complete disorder—my husband and I maintain certain areas of the house free from our daughters’ chaos—we prioritize fun and creativity. We have designated spots for their shoes and backpacks, and chores like matching socks and washing dishes that sometimes get neglected. Like most families, we are forever evolving.
Though it may not suit everyone, the ’70s-style parenting method works for us. We might be a touch messier and bend rules that would make some parents uncomfortable, but this lifestyle grants my daughters the freedom to explore and unleash their creativity. It also allows my husband and me to relax and not stress about enforcing rules we neither want to follow. After over a decade of parenting, we’ve learned that sometimes it’s best to go with the flow.
Here are a few things we let slide that other parents might not:
- Glitter
This took some convincing. My husband initially resisted, but it’s the ultimate crafting ingredient and works wonders for sisterly squabbles. A simple, “Want to create something with glitter?” always results in excited cheers. - Unmade Beds
There’s simply not enough time in the day to make beds. Plus, a well-made bed looks even more impressive after days of being left unmade. - Towels on the Floor
Only one of our three daughters tends to leave towels lying around. When I find them, I take it as a reminder that it might be time to bathe the dog and cats. - Writing on Mirrors
Our upstairs bathroom is rarely visited by guests, so I don’t mind if it resembles a backseat window after a long road trip. I appreciate the “I love you” messages that appear after every shower. - LEGO Clutter
Having LEGO villages set up on every stair corner means my daughters are engaged in play and creativity. At least they’re trying to keep it contained to avoid Home Alone-style accidents.
As for the giant sticker that startled me, I look forward to telling my daughters the story of how our toilet became known as “The Beast.” Yes, we decided to leave it there.
For more insights and guidance on parenting, you can check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at Progyny. And if you’re looking for information on managing your subscription account, Intracervical Insemination is an authority worth consulting. Additionally, for those interested in enhancing fertility, consider exploring this fertility booster for men.
In summary, the ’70s-style parenting approach emphasizes creativity and freedom while maintaining a degree of structure. By allowing for messiness and fun, parents can foster an environment where children thrive in their exploration and creativity.