Picture of me with my sister, Doreen.
A friend recently shared a YouTube video that sparked a wave of nostalgia for me. It reminded me of the familiar phrases many of us heard growing up in the 60s and 70s. These sayings shaped our childhood in ways we didn’t recognize at the time. They provided structure, warmth, and clear expectations.
Our parents might not have used the language of emotional intelligence or resilience, but they taught it. We grew up with unconditional love, but we also learned that three things mattered: Respect, Resilience, and Relationships.
Below are 12 sayings that defined an entire generation and the lessons tucked inside each one. If you would like the link to the video that inspired this post, feel free to let me know in the comments.
1. “Because I said so.”
This was the final answer.It taught boundaries, trust, and that sometimes children are not meant to carry the weight of adult explanations.
2. “We have food at home.”
A reminder to be satisfied with what we already had.This taught gratitude, patience, and resourcefulness.
3. “Don’t make me stop this car.”
A clear indicator that our actions affected others.We learned self-control and the consequences of pushing limits.
4. “You’ll understand when you’re older.”
This phrase reassured us that understanding comes with time.It taught patience, emotional safety, and respect for the complexities of adulthood.
5. “If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you.”
This encouraged us to think for ourselves. We learned about values, personal responsibility, and the importance of making decisions based on our own judgment.
6. “Go outside and play.”
A universal invitation to move, explore, and create. We built friendships, imagination, and resilience, all without screens or schedules.
7. “Were you raised in a barn.”
A prompt to close the door and mind our manners. It reinforced that manners matter, standards matter, and our actions affect everyone in the house.
8. “You’re not going out dressed like that.”
A lesson in self-respect and how we present ourselves to the world. We learned that clothing communicates something and that our appearance is part of our personal self.
9. “Turn off that racket.”
The classic music generation gap.It taught us that tastes differ and that relationships sometimes require patience and compromise.
10. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
This was our introduction to financial responsibility.We learned limits, the value of saving, and the importance of thinking before spending.
11. “Wait until your father gets home.”
A phrase that stirred a mix of nerves and accountability.We learned consequences, shared parenting roles, and the understanding that actions matter.
12. “I love you, but I don’t like your behaviour right now.”
Perhaps the most powerful lesson of all.We learned unconditional love mixed with accountability. We discovered that relationships can hold both love and correction at the same time.
Why These Sayings Still Matter
These expressions formed the backbone of our upbringing. They created boundaries, taught self-discipline, and helped us understand our place in the family and the wider world. Most importantly, they shaped who we became: resilient, respectful, and grounded in strong relationships.
Your Turn
How many of these sayings did you hear growing up.Share your memories below. I would love to hear which ones shaped your childhood.
If you would like the YouTube video that inspired this blog, just ask and I will share it in the comments.
