Remember the carefree days of the 90s? When summers were filled with adventure, imagination, and the freedom to explore? It’s time to channel that nostalgic energy into our parenting today.
Back in the day, mornings started with a bowl of sugary cereal and a glance at the TV, while parents chatted on the phone tethered to a wall. I’d dash outside without a care, knowing my mom trusted the neighborhood to look after me. The ’90s may not have been perfect, but they offered a unique upbringing that many of us miss.
As a parent in 2022, I’m determined to capture that spirit. Here are some lessons I’m embracing from my childhood:
1. Delayed Gratification is Important
I often find myself saying “yes” to keep the peace, but that can lead to my kids becoming frustrated when they can’t have what they want immediately. Lara Taylor, a child psychologist, points out that kids today struggle with waiting due to the instant gratification of technology. To combat this, I’m working on saying “no” when needed and encouraging my kids to try new activities that challenge them.
2. The Value of Boredom
Unlike today, where kids are constantly scheduled, we had plenty of time to figure things out on our own. Research shows that boredom can boost creativity, so I’m now scheduling unstructured time for my kids to explore their interests. They might surprise themselves with what they come up with!
3. Navigating Inappropriate Content
In the ’90s, stumbling upon inappropriate content was challenging; it required effort and planning. Nowadays, it’s just a click away. While we can’t completely shield our kids from everything, we can have open conversations about navigating the internet safely. This is crucial in giving them the tools they need to handle the vast online world.
4. Mental Health Awareness
On a serious note, we’ve made strides in understanding mental health. Unlike the past, where kids were often told to “tough it out,” today we acknowledge emotional struggles and support kids in managing their feelings. This shift is something we should cherish as we create a more understanding environment.
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In conclusion, while we can’t recreate the 90s, we can certainly draw from its lessons to enrich our children’s lives today.