Reflecting on my childhood beach outings in the ’80s, I recall sun-soaked days spent with my mom and siblings, where the simplicity of life was truly cherished. As I observe fellow parents striving to create those enchanting beach memories for their children today, it’s clear that many aspects have transformed since I used to bask on my towel, drenched in baby oil. Here are a few notable differences:
1. Food Choices
In the ’80s, my mother would pack a bucket of fried chicken, a bag of Doritos, and a thermos filled with Kool-Aid—sometimes, if we were fortunate, a bag of cookies like Pecan Sandies or Double Stuf Oreos would join the feast. Once the snacks were consumed, that was it. Nowadays, we meticulously prepare organic fruits and veggies, whip up gluten-free energy bars, and ensure our kids have enough organic, squeezable snacks stored in BPA-free containers. Our coolers overflow with filtered water and juice devoid of artificial colors. Fried chicken? A distant memory.
2. Sunscreen Application
Throughout my childhood, I can only remember applying sunscreen a couple of times, mainly opting for baby oil combined with a tanning magnifier. I even recall using Sun-In to lighten my hair. Today, however, parents arm themselves with sun hats, SPF 554 sunscreen (reapplying every hour!), and swim shirts designed for sun protection.
3. Beach Gear
In the ’80s, a towel for each child and a bag of food carried by my mother were all we needed. Fast forward to today, and the beach is filled with umbrellas, tents, coolers, an array of plastic toys, and lounge chairs for everyone, including toddlers. On my last visit, I even spotted an inflatable sofa!
4. Toys
When I was young, we didn’t own any beach toys. I think we had a beach ball once, but it quickly escaped our grasp. Our fun revolved around sand, shells, and sticks, crafting sandcastles for hours until our knees were sore and our backs were burnt. Now, families bring elaborate sand molds, shovels, and even dump trucks. I’ve lugged two bags of toys for my kids, only for them to gravitate back to the shells and sticks.
5. Music
Back in the ’80s, a boom box was essential, complete with our favorite mixtape featuring artists like Prince and Madonna. Replaying a song required hitting the rewind button. Today, it seems everyone has their own iPod or iPhone, complete with earbuds.
This summer, I aim to give my kids a taste of those nostalgic ’80s beach days. So, if you see a woman with a drumstick hanging from her mouth, hoisting a boom box on her shoulder as she makes her way to the shore, that’s likely me. It will probably mortify my children, but I’ll be reveling in the moment—and secretly, they will too, even if they won’t admit it.
For more insights and resources about parenting, check out this excellent guide from American Society for Reproductive Medicine on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re looking for tips on outdoor adventures with little ones, Camping with a Baby: Top Tips and Tricks is a must-read.
For those exploring the journey of parenthood, consider checking out this blog post on home insemination kits for more information.
Summary:
This article compares beach days in the ’80s to those of today, highlighting significant changes in food, sunscreen application, equipment, toys, and music. While nostalgia remains, modern families approach beach outings with a different mindset, focusing more on health, safety, and convenience.