The 1980s were a time of neon colors, cassette tapes, and family traditions that might seem downright shocking today. If you grew up in that era, you probably remember a world where sharing was second nature, sometimes to a fault. From communal living spaces to the way we handled food and privacy, families in the 1980s did things that would make many modern parents and kids do a double-take. Why does this matter? Looking back at these habits not only gives us a good laugh but also helps us appreciate how much family life and safety standards have evolved over time. Plus, it’s a fun way to reflect on what’s changed and what we might want to bring back—or leave in the past. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or just curious, these nine shared family habits from the ’80s will have you rethinking what’s “normal” today.
Image Source: pexels.com
1. One Bathroom for the Whole Family
Back in the ’80s, it wasn’t unusual for an entire family to share a single bathroom. Morning routines meant waiting your turn, sometimes knocking impatiently while a sibling took forever to finish. Today, the idea of a family of five sharing one bathroom seems almost unthinkable, especially with the rise of en-suite bathrooms and personal space expectations. This shift reflects not just changing home designs but also a greater emphasis on privacy and convenience. If you’re dealing with a single bathroom, consider setting a schedule or using timers to maintain peace.
2. Sharing a Bed with Siblings
Many families in the ’80s had kids bunking together, sometimes even sharing the same bed. Whether due to limited space or simply the norm, siblings often became experts at negotiating blanket territory. These days, most parents strive to give each child their own bed, if not their own room. While sharing a bed can foster closeness, it can also lead to sleep disruptions and sibling squabbles. If space is tight, bunk beds or creative room dividers can help maintain harmony.
3. Drinking from the Same Glass or Bottle
It was common for family members to pass around a single glass of water or soda, especially during road trips or picnics. Concerns about germs were minimal, and the focus was on convenience. Fast forward to today, and most parents are hyper-aware of hygiene, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing drinks is now a big no-no, with health experts warning about the spread of bacteria and viruses.
4. One Phone for Everyone
The family landline was a central fixture in the ’80s home. Everyone shared the same phone, and privacy was rare—anyone in the house could overhear conversations. Now, with smartphones in nearly every pocket, personal communication is the norm. This shift has improved privacy but also reduced those spontaneous family chats that used to happen when someone picked up the phone at the same time. To encourage more family interaction, consider setting aside tech-free times for group conversations.
5. Hand-Me-Down Clothes
Wearing your older sibling’s outgrown clothes was a rite of passage in the ’80s. Families saved money by passing down everything from jeans to winter coats. Today, while hand-me-downs still exist, there’s more emphasis on personal style and new clothing. Thrift shopping and clothing swaps are making a comeback, though, as families look for ways to save money and reduce waste.
Image Source: pexels.com
6. Family-Style Meals—No Special Orders
Dinner in the ’80s was a one-pot affair. Parents cooked a single meal, and everyone ate the same thing—no exceptions. Picky eaters learned to adapt or go hungry. Today, it’s common for parents to cater to individual tastes, sometimes preparing multiple dishes for one meal. While accommodating preferences can reduce mealtime battles, it also adds to the workload. Try involving kids in meal planning to strike a balance between variety and simplicity.
7. Sharing Bathwater
To save time and money, siblings often bathed together or reused the same bathwater. This practice would raise eyebrows now, with today’s focus on personal hygiene and water conservation through showers. If you’re looking to save water, consider installing low-flow showerheads or encouraging shorter showers instead.
8. One TV for the Whole House
The family TV was a gathering spot, and everyone watched the same shows, whether they liked them or not. Arguments over the remote were common, but so were shared experiences and inside jokes. Now, with streaming services and personal devices, everyone can watch what they want, when they want. While this offers more choice, it can also mean less family bonding time. Try scheduling a weekly family movie night to bring everyone together.
9. Carpooling Without Seatbelts
Piling into the family car—sometimes with more kids than seatbelts—was a regular occurrence in the ’80s. Safety standards were looser, and seatbelt laws were just starting to take hold. Today, strict regulations and heightened awareness make this practice unthinkable. Always ensure everyone is buckled up, and if you need extra space, consider organizing a carpool with another family.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Reflecting on these ’80s family habits shows just how much our standards and expectations have changed. While some practices were born out of necessity, others were simply a product of the times. By understanding what families shared in the ’80s, we can appreciate the progress we’ve made in health, safety, and personal space, while also finding inspiration for simpler, more connected living. What family habits from your childhood would raise eyebrows today? Share your stories in the comments!
Read More
5 Ways Your Partner’s Grocery Choices Could Be a Red Flag
10 Grocery Items That Could Secretly Start a Fight With Your Partner
