Some parenting wisdom never goes out of style—just ask any modern mom or dad.
Boomer parents didn’t have parenting blogs, social media debates, or a thousand different books telling them how to raise kids. They relied on common sense, discipline, and a few well-worn rules that kept their households running. And while plenty of old-school parenting tactics have been left behind, some of the basics still hold up today—so much so that modern parents are bringing them back.
Raising kids has changed a lot over the decades, but some Boomer parenting principles continue to stand the test of time. Whether it’s teaching kids responsibility, setting firm boundaries, or making them play outside until the streetlights come on, these lessons are making a comeback in homes everywhere.
Here are 13 Boomer parenting basics that modern moms and dads still swear by.
1. Kids should do chores—they’re part of the family, not guests.
Boomer parents didn’t hand out allowances for existing. If you lived in the house, you contributed. That meant setting the table, mowing the lawn, washing dishes, and folding laundry. Chores weren’t a punishment—they were a way to teach responsibility and the value of hard work, according to a research study at the Journal of Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics.
Modern parents are realizing that shielding kids from household duties does them no favors. Giving kids age-appropriate chores helps them develop discipline, self-sufficiency, and a sense of teamwork. Plus, when everyone pitches in, the workload is lighter for everyone. Many parents today are ditching entitlement and bringing back the expectation that kids should help out at home.
2. Playing outside is better than staring at a screen.
Boomer kids spent their childhoods riding bikes, climbing trees, and getting dirty. They weren’t glued to tablets or smartphones because those didn’t exist—so they had no choice but to run around outside until they were called in for dinner.
Modern parents see the benefits of outdoor play and are making efforts to limit screen time in favor of real-world adventures. Fresh air, movement, and unstructured play are crucial for mental and physical health, per research published at the National Library of Medicine. Many parents now encourage their kids to get outside, explore, and experience childhood the way Boomers did—without constant digital distractions.
3. Respect for elders isn’t optional.
Boomer parents expected kids to say “please” and “thank you,” respect their teachers, and address adults properly. Talking back wasn’t tolerated, and eye-rolling at your parents? That was a one-way ticket to grounding.
Today’s parents may be more flexible, but many are reinforcing the idea that kids need to show respect. Listening to authority figures, and understanding the importance of politeness are still valued, as reported at Headspace. Modern moms and dads may not be as strict, but they aren’t letting respect slide, either.
4. Not everyone gets a trophy—and that’s okay.
Boomers didn’t grow up in a world of participation trophies. If you wanted a ribbon, you had to earn it. Losing was a normal part of life, and it taught kids resilience, motivation, and the ability to handle disappointment. Receiving these trophies might have hurt more than helped kids, per a study in the Sport Journal.
Many modern parents are rethinking the “everyone wins” mentality and allowing their kids to experience failure. Learning how to lose gracefully builds character, and earning rewards through effort means more than getting a trophy just for showing up. It’s not about crushing kids’ spirits—it’s about preparing them for real life.
5. Family dinner is non-negotiable.
Boomer families made a point to sit down and eat dinner together—no distractions, no phones, just conversation and connection. It wasn’t always fancy, but it was a daily ritual that kept families close.
With today’s busy schedules, many parents struggle to make family meals happen, but those who do swear by it. Studies show that regular family dinners improve communication, strengthen bonds, and even help kids do better in school. Many modern parents are bringing back this Boomer tradition to ensure quality time doesn’t get lost in the chaos of everyday life.
6. Kids need to figure things out on their own.
Boomer parents weren’t constantly hovering, solving problems, or micromanaging their kids’ lives. If you forgot your lunch, you went hungry. If you got a bad grade, you dealt with the consequences. Life lessons were often learned the hard way.
Modern parents are starting to push back against helicopter parenting, realizing that kids need to develop independence. Teaching problem-solving skills and allowing kids to experience setbacks helps them grow into capable, resilient adults. A little struggle isn’t a bad thing—it’s how kids learn to handle the real world.
7. Kids should entertain themselves—parents aren’t cruise directors.
Boomer kids didn’t expect their parents to entertain them all day. If they were bored, they found something to do—whether it was building a fort, reading a book, or playing outside. Complaining about being bored usually led to a suggestion involving chores.
Many modern parents are rediscovering the beauty of letting kids be responsible for their own fun. Constant entertainment creates dependency, while unstructured play fosters creativity and independence. Today’s moms and dads are reclaiming their own time by reminding kids that boredom isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity.
8. Discipline teaches lessons, not cruelty.
Boomer parents weren’t afraid to discipline their kids. While some methods have rightfully been left behind, the idea that actions have consequences remains solid parenting wisdom.
Modern parents who enforce clear rules and consequences see the benefits of structure and consistency. Discipline isn’t about punishment—it’s about teaching kids accountability. Whether it’s time-outs, loss of privileges, or natural consequences, today’s parents understand that setting limits is a crucial part of raising responsible kids.
9. Saving money is a lesson kids should learn early.
Boomer kids grew up in a world where money didn’t come easily. They learned to save their allowance, work summer jobs, and appreciate the value of a dollar. Financial responsibility was a life skill, not an afterthought.
Modern parents who teach their kids about money—saving, budgeting, and delayed gratification—set them up for success. The earlier kids understand financial responsibility, the better prepared they’ll be for adulthood. Many parents today are prioritizing financial literacy, knowing that these lessons will last a lifetime.
10. Not every emotion needs to be validated.
Boomer parents weren’t big on overanalyzing every emotion. They offered support when needed, but they also expected kids to move on from minor disappointments without making a big deal.
Today’s parents aim for a balance between emotional support and resilience. While validating emotions is important, excessive coddling can prevent kids from developing coping skills. Many moms and dads are embracing a mix of empathy and toughness, helping kids navigate feelings while also teaching them to manage emotions in a healthy way.
11. School is your job—so take it seriously.
Boomer parents didn’t beg their kids to do homework or make excuses for bad grades. School was a priority, and kids were expected to put in effort, respect teachers, and take responsibility for their education.
Modern parents who reinforce this mindset see the benefits of holding kids accountable. Encouraging self-motivation, setting academic expectations, and teaching kids to take pride in their work helps them develop strong work ethics that carry into adulthood.
12. Privacy is earned, not automatic.
Boomer parents didn’t believe kids deserved total privacy just because they wanted it. If you lived under their roof, they had the right to know what you were up to. Diaries got read, phone calls were monitored, and locked doors were questioned.
While modern parents may not go to those extremes, many still believe in keeping tabs on their kids’ activities, especially online. Trust is important, but so is guidance—and many parents today are balancing privacy with supervision to keep kids safe.
13. Kids don’t always get their way—and that’s okay.
Boomer parents didn’t negotiate every decision with their kids. If they said no, it meant no. There was no endless back-and-forth or trying to explain every rule into oblivion.
Modern parents who hold firm boundaries understand that kids thrive with structure. Teaching them that they won’t always get what they want—and that life isn’t always fair—prepares them for adulthood. Parenting isn’t about making kids happy all the time—it’s about raising responsible, well-adjusted adults.