Children raised in the 1950s had to adhere to many family rules that kept the home as a well-running machine. Although these rules weren’t written down, they had to be followed without question. Although some rules may seem excessive nowadays, these rules reinforced discipline and other important lessons that many of us still carry today.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. The 6 O’Clock Family Dinner Rule
- 2 2. Sunday Best Dress Code
- 3 3. The Weekly Chore Schedule
- 4 4. The Savings Rule
- 5 5. The Front Porch Protocol
- 6 6. The Breakfast Table Rule
- 7 7. The Telephone Time Limit
- 8 8. The Homework Hour
- 9 9. The Bedtime Routine
- 10 10. The Saturday Morning Rule
- 11 11. The Letter-Writing Requirement
- 12 12. The Company Manners Rule
- 13 13. The Sunday Visiting Rule
1. The 6 O’Clock Family Dinner Rule
At 6 PM, family dinner time commenced. No exceptions. Mother began cooking at 4:30. Father was home by 5:30, and the kids were cleaned and seated by 6. The tv was off, the telephone went unanswered, and the family discussed their individual days.
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2. Sunday Best Dress Code
Special clothes for church and other important gatherings had to be kept separate from everyday clothing. Girls had to wear dresses with petticoats, while guys were expected to wear a suit (or at least a clean shirt and tie). This reinforced the idea that children must treat formal occasions with respect.
3. The Weekly Chore Schedule
Every child had a domestic chore that was divided on a daily basis into the following tasks. Monday: laundry. Tuesday: ironing. Wednesday: grocery shopping. Thursday: Dusting. Friday: floor cleaning. Saturday: baking. This routine and the fact that every child had assigned tasks reinforced the idea of personal responsibility.
4. The Savings Rule
Every family allowed the children to have an allowance, which was divided into spending, saving, and religious donation. The children were required to save a portion of it relied to teach them financial responsibility. Many families also required that half of any monetary gifts to the children also went into savings.
5. The Front Porch Protocol
Daughters’ suitors were not allowed to blare their horns or wait outside. They were expected to walk up to the front door, meet the parents, and State their intentions for the evening. Parents agreed to have their daughters home by a certain time, and this taught responsibility and respect.
6. The Breakfast Table Rule
The entire family woke up at the same time to eat breakfast, and mom was expected to have it cooked first. Everyone was expected to be cleaned up when they sat down. This was to ensure the family started their day off together and that everyone left the house sufficiently ready.
7. The Telephone Time Limit
Teenagers were only allowed to talk on the phone for 10 minutes a time limit that was expected by the family. Conversations were expected to be polite, and the family phone was located centrally in the house. This taught consideration for others and effective communication, especially when they could be heard talking.
8. The Homework Hour
An empty house was the signal for children to have a homework time; once the school day was over, they entered the quiet house. Parents were present, and homework was checked. No one was allowed to turn on the radio or television until homework was complete.
9. The Bedtime Routine
Children were expected to stay in bed with the lights out for school nights at 8:00 PM. This routine provided structure and ensured that children had enough sleep. Their routines started with: prayers, bath, pajamas, and a bedtime story.
10. The Saturday Morning Rule
Children were not allowed to play or watch tv until morning chores were done. The chores included household tasks, making beds, and helping with cleaning. Only after everything was done and checked, children got free time. This was to teach them that they needed to work for what they wanted.
11. The Letter-Writing Requirement
Children had to write thank you notes within 24 hours of receiving a present and were often required to write letters to grandparents. This was to teach them family connections, letter writing, and to develop writing skills. The work children were given taught them to appreciate things.
12. The Company Manners Rule
Children had to behave when meeting visitors and greet them properly, speak only when addressed, and show their best behavior. Best behavior included using “sir” and “ma’am,” staying clean, and helping mother serve refreshments. To have these rules show them social respect and etiquette was a goal.
13. The Sunday Visiting Rule
Children had to talk with visiting relatives and interest in their lives. Then help to serve and clean after refreshments. This practice taught family bonds and social skills.
