As my children are growing older and we’ve officially bid farewell to all those children’s shows, my husband and I have embarked on the adventure of introducing our two tweens to the most iconic film genre ever: the ‘80s movies.
For me, these films evoke memories of wearing multiple layers of funky socks, sporting voluminous hairstyles, and being glued to my vibrant pink princess phone more than any operator could handle. I take pride in the cinematic treasures my generation brought to life, including classics like Ghostbusters and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Icons like John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, and Molly Ringwald were our companions during those formative years, shaping our perspectives and styles, from our Duckie shoes to the vintage dresses we borrowed from our mothers’.
The ‘80s films tackled serious subjects such as social issues, relationships, and even time travel. They taught us about friendship through secret clubs, challenged stereotypes, and made us long for moments when heroic characters declared, “As you wish.” Life seemed simpler through the lens of John Hughes’ masterpieces, and it’s hard to deny the dedicated following these films still command. Admit it—you’ve imagined John Cusack serenading you outside your window with a boombox, haven’t you?
Revisiting these beloved films with my kids has revealed that many of them impart valuable lessons that can aid us Gen X parents in navigating the often complicated tween years. Indeed, ‘80s movies can enhance our parenting skills. Here are 12 common tween dilemmas paired with their perfect ‘80s film counterparts:
- If your tween is facing bullying, turn to Some Kind of Wonderful. There’s nothing like seeing the underdog triumph in the end. Plus, those earrings were a must-have, right, Mary Stuart Masterson?
- For tweens needing babysitting advice, Adventures in Babysitting has got you covered, Thor hat and all. Singing the blues remains a highly marketable skill in today’s babysitting scene.
- If your teen needs a reminder to have fun, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off will inspire just the right level of mischief. After all, they even got to try pancreas!
- If your teen struggles to fit in, Can’t Buy Me Love illustrates that sometimes heroes ride lawn mowers. Plus, telescopes? Totally cool and pricey!
- For those reluctant to tackle college applications, Animal House provides a humorous glimpse into Greek life that might just motivate them to hit send on those transcripts.
- When it comes to discussing the birds and the bees, Dirty Dancing offers some guidance. Even if Penny faced challenges, remember that no one puts Baby in a corner. Right, Johnny?
- If you’ve been so preoccupied with planning your eldest’s wedding that you overlooked your younger child’s birthday, show her Sixteen Candles. Jake Ryan knows how to make a memorable entrance.
- If your tween forgets to show respect, Mr. Mom serves as a great reminder that parents juggle multiple responsibilities. Dads can handle the home front too—220, 221, whatever it takes, right?
- For those feeling that their teen is rushing into adulthood, Big reveals that growing up isn’t always as glamorous as it seems, except for the endless supply of silly string.
- If teaching your teen to drive feels daunting, let License to Drive pave the way. What could possibly go wrong?
- If your teen didn’t make the football team, just say one word: Rudy. RUDY! RUUUUDY!
- When your teen is anxious about graduation and the future, St. Elmo’s Fire could help them realize that college friendships can last a lifetime—and maybe even lead to meeting a charming guy who knows how to play with fire.
The lessons embedded in these ‘80s films provide invaluable insights we can harness as parents. It’s essential to revisit our cherished favorites, reliving those glorious years while imparting their wisdom to the next generation. And if you decide to sport your old jean jacket and a “Frankie Says Relax” T-shirt while digging through your VHS collection, no judgment here!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must assist my daughter with her history homework. She’s tackling Medieval history, and it’s unbelievable how much she has to study tonight!
For more insightful content on parenting and wellness, check out our article on boosting fertility supplements and learn about baby care with delightfully scented cleansing wipes. Additionally, if you’re exploring pregnancy options, the NHS is an excellent resource.
Summary:
Incorporating the lessons from ‘80s movies can enhance our parenting approach with tweens and teens. These films address various challenges, from bullying to college applications, offering relatable narratives and valuable insights that resonate even today. As parents, revisiting these classics not only strengthens our bond with our children but also enriches their understanding of life’s complexities.