Being a mom is the most rewarding job I can imagine. I really hope my kids recognize how much joy it brings me. My own mother was a fantastic example of this, making motherhood appear both effortless and enjoyable. She had the benefit of parenting during a much simpler era—when concerns like GMOs, UV rays, and seat belts were not on anyone’s radar. It was an incredible time to be a parent and an even better time to be a child. Here are 12 ways my mom, along with many other ’70s moms, were truly remarkable:
- She encouraged us to embrace our individuality. Ideas like “It’s okay to cry,” and “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” were lessons we cherished.
- She smoked. While we now know the risks, back then it seemed chic, and it even inspired us to create some funky ashtrays in art class.
- She bought us candy cigarettes, so we could pretend to “smoke” like her.
- She eventually quit smoking. Kudos to her! I thought giving up Diet Coke was tough.
- Her turquoise rings jingled against the plastic steering wheel of her station wagon as she belted out “I Am Woman” on her 8-track player.
- In the afternoons, she played bridge while enjoying strawberry daiquiris and a cigarette.
- She was an embroidery enthusiast, crafting denim shirts not just for our family, but for cousins and friends alike. I still have a shirt adorned with a butterfly, a dragonfly, a heart, and a field of flowers.
- She taught us how to do The Hustle, which I learned during Vacation Bible school—after indulging in Kool-Aid and Little Debbies, of course.
- She took us to see Grease, and while she was shocked by its themes of teenage relationships, we were blissfully unaware even after listening to the soundtrack countless times.
- She had the ability to bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan!
- She explored various hobbies: from belly dancing to tole painting to calligraphy, and even attended Parent Effectiveness Training. We might have been left in the care of a rather elderly woman who fed us butter and sugar sandwiches, but we made it through just fine.
- She was a fan of Erma Bombeck, whose humor and insights are still relevant and relatable today.
My mom continued to be fabulous in the ’80s—she embraced Jane Fonda workout tapes and sported shoulder pads while running around with her Color Me Beautiful swatches. I often ponder what memories my children will have of me. Perhaps it will be my constant yoga pants or my famous spinach brownies? Maybe I should consider picking up embroidery!
Note: For clarity, my mom actually quit smoking shortly after I was born, but my grandparents still smoked, which is why I got to make those ashtrays. Additionally, her bridge club met in the evenings while afternoons were spent at the pool where we soaked up the sun without any sunscreen. However, she always enforced the rule of waiting at least an hour to swim after eating!
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In summary, the ’70s were a unique decade for motherhood, filled with unconventional practices and a spirit of freedom. The legacy of these moms continues to inspire us today.