Parenting
By Jessica Hartman
Updated: September 9, 2015
Originally Published: May 24, 2015
Older generations often tell us younger moms that we fret far too much, don’t they? Yet, with so many factors to consider—like whether to buy organic produce, which extracurricular activities to choose, or how to manage those moments when we lose our cool—it’s hard not to feel the weight of worry. But were our mothers really as carefree as they seem? Before I add “I worry too much” to my list of daily concerns, let’s reflect on whether the moms of the 1970s and 1980s had their own set of unique anxieties that we might have forgotten about.
Medieval Feminine Hygiene Products
I remember my fifth-grade puberty guide, ominously titled Growing Up and Liking It, which mentioned something about “belted” versus “beltless” pads. I never understood that concept and frankly, I don’t want to know, but I’m sure our moms were well-versed in it.
Seatbelts: What Are Those?
Let’s not pretend that safety was their primary concern. Instead, they had to maintain their sanity while managing a loose toddler in a moving vehicle. Imagine trying to drive without a seatbelt while a 3-year-old wiggles uncontrollably! Today, car rides are relatively calm, with kids securely strapped in—sure, they may squabble and scream, but at least no one is attempting an escape through an open window or launching themselves into the front seat.
Pantyhose: A Fashion Nightmare
Who still wears pantyhose? I certainly avoid them at all costs. Sure, they require shaving, but can you imagine our moms dealing with thick, suffocating hosiery in a non-air-conditioned car during an August heatwave? Talk about uncomfortable!
The Dreadful Color Schemes
Orange, brown, avocado, and gold—these colors were everywhere. It’s a wonder they didn’t send anyone into a decorating crisis.
Uncomfortable Clothing Choices
Let’s appreciate yoga pants and leggings—truly the gifts of modern motherhood! While we enjoy dressing up occasionally, it’s not practical when we’re juggling breast milk, sticky fingers, and muddy toddler shoes. No amount of polyester can compare.
Admittedly, we probably do worry more than our mothers did. But when anxiety strikes, I’m learning to glance back instead of forward. I think about how my brothers drove my mom up the wall with their antics, not to mention my own dramatic outbursts in childhood that were simply accepted as part of growing up. I recall my delightful mother-in-law chasing her kids with a wooden spoon—an amusing sight that illustrates how parenting challenges can lead to good-natured humor. Both my mother and mother-in-law are now serene grandmothers, and I hold onto the hope that someday I’ll be that calm, wise figure, likely clad in yoga pants.
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In summary, while we may worry about new parenting challenges, it’s essential to remember that every generation has its hurdles and unique worries. By reflecting on the past, we can navigate our worries with a bit more humor and perspective.