While motherhood today has its perks, there are moments when I find myself longing for the uncomplicated lifestyle of 1950s moms (at least the ones portrayed on television). The daily agenda seemed simple: style your hair, serve up some Cheese Whiz to the kids, and whip up a pie for the neighbor’s Tupperware gathering. Of course, I can’t ignore that the reality might have sent me running for the hills, but it’s delightful to imagine. Those stylish, gossiping, retro moms appeared to have it all figured out. Here’s why:
- Kids Could Run Errands: Back in the ‘50s, children could stroll down the street to pick up groceries or mail without a care in the world. While the TV kids were often depicted doing this, real-life kids had more freedom to play without constant worry.
- TV Time Was Encouraged: It wasn’t frowned upon for kids to spend the afternoon watching television. Instead of side-eye from family members, moms could relax with a martini while the kids enjoyed their favorite shows.
- Jell-O as a Food Group: The iconic dessert was treated like a staple in the diet—jiggly, colorful, and topped with whipped cream, it was considered a healthy option.
- Afternoon Cocktails: Picture this: a mom in a chic dress, cocktail in hand at 3 p.m. No guilt, just a sense of elegance and perhaps a little buzz.
- Full-Time Homemakers: Many moms had the option to stay at home without the financial strain that often accompanies it today. With costs lower, they didn’t have to worry about the organic versus conventional debate.
- Celebrating Curves: The media celebrated fuller figures, and women like Marilyn Monroe became icons of beauty and style.
- Fun Hairstyles: With tight curls and classic bobs, 1950s hairstyles were playful. The hairspray used was likely enough to provide a little extra lift in spirits too.
- Simplicity in Parenting Styles: With fewer parenting philosophies to navigate, mothers could rely on straightforward advice: “Mother knows best,” and “Eat your Jell-O” sufficed.
- Plastic Furniture Covers: It was perfectly acceptable to cover furniture in plastic, allowing for easy clean-up and preservation of the upholstery.
- Imaginative Play: Kids made do with sticks, rocks, and trees as their toys, demonstrating that creativity didn’t require expensive gadgets.
- Poodle Skirts and Petticoats: These fun fashion staples not only looked great but also provided a little extra room for the occasional indulgence.
- Community Support: When something unfortunate happened, neighbors brought casseroles and baked goods to offer comfort, showing the power of community.
- No Violent Video Games: Entertainment consisted of board games and imaginative play, devoid of the violence often found in today’s games.
- Fantastic Music: The upbeat tunes of the ‘50s had everyone dancing. Unlike much of the modern music, this era’s hits were free of derogatory references to women.
- Endless Memes: The nostalgia for this decade has led to countless humorous memes, celebrating the quirks and charm of those times.
While the realities of the 1950s included their share of challenges—like societal expectations and restrictive norms—there’s something undeniably appealing about the simplicity of that era.
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Summary
The 1950s offered a unique perspective on motherhood, characterized by simpler times, community support, and a cultural celebration of femininity. Though those days had their challenges, many aspects of that lifestyle seem appealing in contrast to today’s complexities.