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Article created by: Austėja Akavickaitė

Our parents weren't always parents. Yes, I know, that sounds self-explanatory, but let that sink in. Before these people were changing our diapers, they were young, wild, and free to do whatever they desired. In many cases, their old lives were even more impressive than our current ones. Building motorcycles, stopping bank robberies... It's one thing to hear those stories, but it's another to see photographic proof.

Surprised by and proud of their parents' past, people are sharing photos of their moms and dads on the subreddit r/OldSchoolCool. So continue scrolling to take a trip back in time to when they were rocking leather jackets and high-waisted jeans and when you're done, check out similar Bored Panda articles here and here.

#1

My Mother When She Was A Tank Instructor In 1984

Black and white photo of a woman in military gear showing how parents were definitely cooler than their kids.

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    #2

    My Mom Looking Like A Queen On Her Wedding Day 1979

    Woman in a vintage white dress sitting on a large wicker chair, showcasing cool parents style from past decades.

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    #3

    My Mom Immigrated To The US From Iran In November, 1978. Here She Is Dressed As Wonder Woman A Year Later

    Woman dressed as Wonder Woman entertaining children at a party, showing parents definitely cooler than their kids in vintage photo.

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    #4

    My Mom Would Always Talk About How She Was An Editor For Tiger Beat Magazine When She Was A Teenager In The 1960’s. She Would Brag About Spending Time With The Stones And The Beatles. We Always Thought She Was Telling Tall Tales. Uncovered This Pic Cleaning Out Her House Last Week

    Vintage black and white photo of three people in a casual setting showing parents definitely cooler than their kids.

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    #5

    Late 1960s, My Dad

    Young man on vintage motorcycle barefoot, showcasing the coolness of parents in a classic black and white photo.

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    #6

    My Dad Made Anything Look Cool (1981)

    Man in vintage military uniform sitting inside a rescue aircraft cockpit showing cooler parents in old photos.

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    #7

    My Dad Skateboarding At Hyde School 1982. I Think He Was Cooler Than Me

    Black and white photo of a man in a suit skateboarding while holding a briefcase, showing cool parents moments.

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    #8

    My Dad Sculpting A Bust Of My Mom, 1980s

    Man sculpting a bust while a young woman watches, showcasing a cool and creative moment between parents and children.

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    #9

    My Dad And Friends Look Like The Cast Of Stranger Things (1982)

    Group of kids sitting on carpeted floor, showcasing vintage style that proves parents were definitely cooler than them.

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    #10

    My Mother Skateboarding Barefoot In California, 1974

    Vintage black and white photo of a cool parent skateboarding barefoot on a road showing impressive balance and style.

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    #11

    My Mom Was A Boston Park Ranger In The 80s

    Young woman in vintage ranger uniform with braided hair posing with a horse showing parents cooler than kids proof.

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    #12

    My Mom And Dad Building Their House In 1953. My Mom (91 Now) Still Lives There

    Four images showing the progress of building a house from construction to completion, showcasing cooler parents' work.

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    #13

    My Mom's All Girl Rock Band In The 60's

    Black and white photo of a barefoot all-female band from the past showcasing cooler parents with musical instruments.

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    #14

    My Dad In The Late 80s / Early 90s. One Of The First Rockers In China

    Black and white photo of a cool parent playing electric guitar in a casual setting showcasing vintage style and attitude.

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    #15

    My Dad Was A Popstar In Argentina. Here He Is With Ella Fitzgerald, Mid 1960s

    Black and white photo of two stylish adults in a lively conversation, showing parents definitely cooler than their kids.

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    #16

    My Mom Working As A Dj, Late 1970s

    Retro cool parent relaxing in a music studio surrounded by vintage audio equipment, showing undeniable coolness and style.

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    #17

    Me Looking Up To My Fighter Pilot Dad In The Late 1980's

    Young boy looking up at his cool parent in a leather jacket and military cap using a phone booth, showcasing cooler parents.

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    #18

    My Dad At The 1966 International Science Fair. He Was A Finalist In 65, 66, And 67. In This Picture He Created A Perfusion System To Keep A Rat Kidney Alive When Removed From The Body, Like A Heart-Lung Machine

    Black and white photo of a young man presenting a science project, showcasing cooler parents through historic family proof.

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    #19

    My Mom And Bob Ross During An Event In Central Park, NYC In 1989

    Man with afro hairstyle smiling next to laughing woman outdoors, capturing a moment showing parents cooler than their kids.

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    #20

    48 Beers And A Unicycle. My Dad In The Early 80s

    Shirtless man balancing two beer cases on shoulders while riding a bicycle down a suburban street, showing parent coolness.

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    #21

    My Parents When They Were 16 And 17 (1987). They’ve Been Together For 34 Years Now

    Young couple with vintage punk style, the man wearing a Batman t-shirt, showcasing cooler parents from past decades.

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    #22

    My Mom In The Early 90s. She Painted Her Own Shield

    Person dressed as a knight holding sword and shield, illustrating a moment when parents were cooler than their children.

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    #23

    My Cool Mom Partying With Robin Williams And Billy Crystal In LA, 1982

    Vintage photo of three people smiling together, capturing a moment showing parents who were definitely cooler.

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    #24

    My Dad And His Partner While They Were Undercover. This Picture Was Taken After They Stopped A Bank Robbery In The Late 70s

    Two men from the past wearing jackets and badges, showcasing vintage style proving parents were cooler than their kids.

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    #25

    Found This Old Picture Of My Dad From Back In 1976. I Feel Like The Picture Captures An Awful Lot And Tells A Story

    Young man with leg cast using crutches looks at a vintage yellow Suzuki dirt bike for sale on a rural roadside, showcasing cooler parents.

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    #26

    My Dad In Saudi Arabia In The 70's Working As A Us Military Contractor Diving In The Red Sea

    Man wearing vintage diving suit holding helmet outdoors, showcasing parents cooler than children in retro gear.

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    #27

    My Dad's First Car, A 1939 Ford. He Bought It With His Own Money That He Earned While Farming. He Was 11 When He Bought It, So This Photo Was Taken In 1948

    Vintage black and white photo of a boy leaning on a classic car, showing parents definitely cooler than them proof.

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    #28

    My Dad Showing Mr. Rogers The Process Of Designing Toys On Mr. Rogers Neighborhood (1986)

    Two men working together at a drafting table, showing parents definitely cooler than their kids in an office.

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    #29

    My Dad 1969 Bronx, NY. Speaking Against The Vietnam War

    Black and white photo of a cool parent speaking into a microphone at an outdoor event on a city street.

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    #30

    My Dad (Left) Looking Like A Young Luke Skywalker, Chile, 1977

    Vintage photo of three cool people at the beach, showcasing memories that prove parents were definitely cooler than their kids.

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    #31

    Mid To Late 1970s, My Dad Graduating A Class Taught By Chuck Norris

    Two people shaking hands, one wearing vintage fashion and the other in martial arts attire, showing parents cooler moments.

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    #32

    My Dad's Graduation Photo. Circa 1970's

    Man in a white suit and top hat sitting on a chair in a field with a dog, showing parents cooler than their kids.

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    #33

    My Dad And A Tiny Kitten Looking Like A Modern Hipster In The Early 1980s

    My Dad And A Tiny Kitten Looking Like A Modern Hipster In The Early 1980s

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    #34

    Mom, Circa 1970, After Completing Her Master's, The First Woman In Her Family To Do So

    Black and white vintage portrait of a woman in traditional attire holding a rolled-up document, highlighting parents cooler than kids.

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    #35

    My Mom And Arnold On A Date In The 70s

    Vintage black and white photo showing a cool looking man and woman, exemplifying parents definitely cooler than their kids.

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    #36

    My Dad Wasn't Famous, But His Moves Were Pretty Cool (1977)

    Person performing an impressive handstand on a skateboard on the street, showing coolness of parents in vintage photo.

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