how did they use to raise a house full of kids (like in the 50s and 60's)?

Question

My dad had 6 brothers and sisters and they were the smallest family on the block.

Answer 1

I remember asking my grandmother, who had 15 kids, this same question after my second one was born. I was told that it was easier back then because the kids were disciplined a lot more than what they are now ( smart mouth got you a smack in the mouth they lived by spare the rod spoil the child) and they learned responsibility at an early age and many helped out in the family businesses, farms etc. Families were more involved in their church and community than what they are now. Expense wise it was easier because there wasn't as much need for everyone to compete the younger ones wore the clothes passed down from the older ones, the mothers sewed and made the clothes( no ralph lauren and tommy for them) there wasn't all the computers, dvd's, cd's, x-boxes and every other expensive electronic gadget a kid could want. Kids learned to entertain them selves with games and creativity instead of a trip to the mall) Very few kids had two working parent's back then as the mother's stayed home and worked taking care of the home and family, you didn't have the high crime rates that you have now, drugs weren't available on every street corner and the divorce rate was way lower. I know right now I have three kids and although I would love to have more I know I couldn't do it. I stay at home and my husband works but factor in all the sports, clubs, dance lessons, karate lessons, not to mention friends and sad to say "keeping up with the Jone's" it wouldn't be fair to bring another child into the mix.

Answer 2

I am the youngest of 14. I have 7 sisters and 6 brothers. My mother raised us with a firm but loving hand.

By the time I came around there was no shock value to anything I did because one or more of my brothers and sisters had done it before. So my mother would give me a look filled with patients and love and I would realize that she was my biggest support.

Don't get me wrong I used to get into trouble and when I did I used to get a lickin'. My mom would make us go outside and cut our own willow (switch). Now a days you can not hit your children because so many children were abused in the past. I however never got a lickin' I didn't deserve.My mother did not beat and/or abuse us, but in trying to keep control over 14 children she did what she had to do.

My mother was a very caring and loving woman, who's door was always open to people who needed a little help. There were allot of mouths to feed in our house but if someone came into our house that was hungry, mom always found enough to fill their bellies.

Because of the love and support my mom taught us I now work in a womens homeless shelter. Every day I use the lessons that my mom taught me and pass on the love by helping these women.

Being raised in a large family at times were hard but I wouldn't change a thing about how I grew up.

Answer 3

Well, FIRST I have to agree, DISCIPLINE I think is key.

Second, we live in a time now where it isn't family friendly anymore. Most households HAVE to have 2 working parents, and it is hard to parent when you both are working 40 hours a day. On top of that, factor in soccer practice, game days, homework, special projects, and the 5 minutes of down time in a week, it is hard to have 1-2 kids let alone 5 -8!!!!

Society is not geared towards raising children like it used to be. It's kind of sad!!!

Answer 4

its called the 50s and 60s most people didnt have tvs because they were too expensive....so they had to entertain themselves other ways.... and mothers didnt work, so they took care of the family.... i think it was in the water, the women back then were so much stronger than i

Answer 5

They disaplined their children, which made them easier to control. Women where mainly at home to raise the children.

Answer 6

Called discipline and parenting. Also back then if someone else seen you doing something they told your parents and you got your butt beat. Not this crap where parents tell the person "My child wouldn't do that"

Answer 7

MOM=Valium

Answer 8

with a belt. LoL for real.

Answer 9

they raised each other