Since seventh grade, I’ve been highlighting my hair—so much so that I’ve lost track of my natural color. If you were to stroll down the hair dye aisle at your local drugstore, you’d likely find my shade under “Dull” or “Forgettable.” To avoid the horror of showing off six inches of dark roots, I’ve been dishing out serious cash every few months to maintain my sun-kissed locks.
This week, while a young stylist worked on my hair, she began sharing tales of her tumultuous relationship with a “bad boy.” I listened intently, offering the occasional gasp of disbelief at her stories. Once she’d wrapped up her saga, I felt compelled to impart some wisdom from my own experiences. I told her, “Sweetheart, you can date the Dylan, but you should marry the Brandon.”
She looked at me, utterly perplexed, and asked, “Who?” Dylan McKay and Brandon Walsh—characters from the legendary 90210. I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me, realizing she missed out on a cultural touchstone that shaped my adolescence. This made me ponder my own children, Max and Lily, and the conversations we’ll have in the future. Should I confine them to a room and make them binge-watch all ten seasons of this iconic show? After all, I believe it holds lessons worth discussing.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways I hope to share with them:
- Avoid embarrassing situations at prom. Getting drunk and passing out in front of the principal will not earn you any accolades, no matter how charming you think you are.
- Fashion faux pas and relationship pitfalls. Wearing the same dress as your best friend to a formal event, dating the troubled girl who dabbles in drugs, or making poor choices around significant milestones—these are all lessons learned (the hard way) by Brenda.
- Material wealth does not equal happiness. Just because your friends have sprawling homes, designer wardrobes, and flashy cars doesn’t mean their lives are better. They might envy your sarcastic, witty mom who can whip up a killer pepperoni roll!
- Steer clear of toxic behaviors. This includes drugs, diet pills, gambling, and cheating—whether it’s on a partner or during exams. Ultimately, dishonesty leads to trouble.
- Respect yourself. If someone ever pushes you down the stairs, remember: that’s not love. I might not condone violence, but I would certainly defend my Lily if she were ever in such a situation.
- Choose yourself when in doubt. When Kelly faced a tough decision, she wisely declared, “I choose me!” It’s important for my kids to know that self-care comes first.
There you have it—six essential lessons gleaned from a beloved show that I hope will guide my children into adulthood. Parenting couldn’t be simpler!
For more insights on family life, you might find this post helpful. If you’re considering a vacation with kids, check out this resource. And for an in-depth look at conception methods, this Wikipedia page is an excellent resource.
Summary
In this article, Amanda Rivers shares valuable life lessons inspired by the popular show Beverly Hills, 90210. From navigating high school challenges to understanding the importance of self-respect, these insights aim to guide her children in their journey through life.