Things Louisiana Parents Did When We Were Kids That Would Be Judged Online in 2024

In today's world, where every moment of parenting can be scrutinized by social media, raising kids seems to come with a never-ending supply of judgment. A simple slip-up can lead to viral moments, like the recent video of a young girl chugging what appeared to be a beer at a college football game, which sparked an internet uproar. But for many in Louisiana, that pales in comparison to the things we grew up doing.

While discussing the mixed reactions to the topic on the morning show, we posed a question on our Facebook page: “What’s something your parents let you do as a kid that social media would absolutely judge them for in 2024?” The responses were a mix of hilarious, concerning, and deeply nostalgic. From riding in the back of trucks to being sent to the store with a note to buy cigarettes, these memories painted a picture of a different era in parenting — one that social media would likely tear apart today.

Here are some of the standout replies from our listeners:

- Leave in the morning on my bike and not come back until before dark,” Blake Quebedeaux shared, reminding us of a time when children roamed freely with little parental supervision.
- Hope Vallot Picard said, “Ride in the front seat not buckled, with my head hanging out the window while Dad was driving down the road.” No seatbelt? No problem, back then.
- Dustin Thibodeaux reflected on a common errand from the past: “Go to the country store down the block and buy them cigarettes, with a note saying that it’s for them.” In 2024, such an act would undoubtedly go viral — and not in a good way.
- Many, like Eugene Walker, fondly remembered the days of “riding in the back of a truck with my cousins.” What was once a rite of passage for Louisiana kids would now be met with gasps of horror from other "perfect" parents online.
- “Drink water out of the neighbor's hose,” Josh Johnson chimed in, a simple act that many today might balk at for sanitary reasons.

Perhaps the most telling response came from Danielle Gautreaux, who listed several bygone practices: “Discipline us in public, ride in the back of a truck, stay in a hot car… the list can go on and on!” These were normal experiences for many growing up in Louisiana but would likely face harsh criticism from the modern-day internet "Karen."

Despite these anecdotes, most who shared their stories were quick to emphasize that they “turned out just fine.” That belief that the freedom and discipline of the past helped shape resilient adults kept coming up in the comments. However, with social media holding the magnifying glass, today's parents are often left second-guessing their choices, wondering what will end up online for the world to critique.

Don't believe us? Check out more replies:

As we look back, it's clear that parenting has evolved. What was once considered normal or even fun for us Louisiana kids in the '80s and '90s might now be viewed with concern or disapproval. But perhaps the most important lesson is that parenting, like everything else, changes with the times — and in the end, we all just hope to raise good kids, whether they grow up in the age of smartphones or cassette tapes.