Television in the ’80s and ’90s was nothing short of spectacular. It’s no surprise I spent countless hours captivated by the screen, indulging in a bowl of coffee ice cream, while the world faded away for those magical 30-minute intervals. The creators of these shows certainly struck a chord, but if we were in charge, the themes would be much more grounded and relatable, reflecting the realities of parenthood today.
Perfect Strangers
Your teenager’s friends, who you barely recognized three months ago, have suddenly transformed—now taller, curvier, and astonishingly, shaving. Who are these people?
The Wonder Years
What’s the secret to getting your child to eat a proper breakfast, remember to write that check for the field trip, and steer clear of volunteering for school events?
Who’s the Boss?
Suddenly, your authority seems to have vanished. Your once-adoring child has transitioned from saying, “Mommy, let’s play!” to “You’re not in charge of me!” What happened to those golden days when your word was law? Those times were simply dyn-o-mite!
Saved by the Bell
Just as the doorbell rings, your child innocently asks when they can start dating.
Family Matters
Who left the toilet seat up? Who neglected to replace the paper towel roll? Who devoured the last cupcake? These pressing household questions demand answers, but they likely remain mysteries forever.
Friends
Family outings used to be a highlight for your child, a delightful picnic or a museum trip. Now, it’s all about their friends. Sorry, Mom.
Designing Women
Assisting your tween in curating a wardrobe can be an adventure—zebra stripes are fine, but mixing them with leopard spots? Not on your watch. Even 11-year-olds need some boundaries.
A Different World
This explains the perplexing new math. Whatever happened to carrying the one? And long division?
Wiseguy
Eye rolls and a vocabulary that includes the all-encompassing “whatever” have become your child’s primary means of communication. When they finally emerge from their room, that is.
Growing Pains
It’s your own struggles that weigh heavily now. You haven’t exercised in ages, and your jeans are starting to feel tight. Luckily, you still have a stash of flowy tunic tops from the ’80s.
Empty Nest
The day will arrive when your once-tiny bundle of joy is all grown up and ready to leave the nest. You’ll no longer be hiding those zebra-striped pants or dodging awkward questions, but you will be bidding farewell to a significant part of your life. Don’t worry, though; it won’t be long before they come back to do their laundry, and your home will once again be bustling with life.
This article was originally published on July 31, 2005.
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In summary, as we navigate through the various stages of parenting, we can’t help but reflect on how much our favorite shows from the past mirror our current lives. The humor and lessons learned from these nostalgic series continue to resonate today.