7 Nostalgic Tunes That Guide Me Through Parenting in My 40s

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Is it just me, or does turning 40 make you feel a bit… seasoned? I mean, when the grocery store clerk greets you with a “Ma’am,” you know you’ve crossed a threshold. My 40th birthday came and went without much fuss. I didn’t suddenly feel like a sage or anything. I already knew that glittery eyeshadow and mini skirts weren’t my best friends, but hey, I still rock some tiny braids in my hair without a care.

Looking back at my younger self brings a mix of nostalgia and hilarity. I used to think my chubby cheeks were a problem! How endearing is it that I thought sneaking kisses with a boy while Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” played signified true love? And what was I thinking with those perms?

I can’t undo my fashion faux pas, like that acid-wash denim jacket with faux suede panels. But you know what? Those moments—like obsessively replaying “If You Leave” and “Groovy Kind of Love” on my boom box—are treasures I wouldn’t trade. We live through our youth without the wisdom that hindsight offers.

Now that I’m helping my daughters navigate their own rollercoaster of adolescence, I’m grateful for the lessons learned. I want them to make questionable fashion choices and have a few crushes on the wrong people. I just hope they steer clear of cigarettes, because even my maternal wisdom has limits.

As we dive into the tween years, I’m leaning on these seven songs that remind me of my past and help me tackle the challenges of parenting today. They connect me to a more carefree version of myself, making life feel a little lighter.

  1. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
    Despite the ups and downs, we’re still the same at heart.
    “Oh mother dear, we’re not the fortunate ones, and girls they want to have fun…”
  2. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
    No matter the struggles, we’ve got each other…and a good movie.
    “Will you call my name as you walk on by?”
  3. “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows
    We’re all just trying to fit in and find our way.
    “We all want to be big stars, but we don’t know why…”
  4. “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
    Heartbreak is real, and it’s okay to feel it deeply.
    “I’m cold and I am shamed, lying naked on the floor…”
  5. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
    It’s important to let emotions flow, even if they’re messy.
    “Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts…”
  6. “Right Here, Right Now” by Jesus Jones
    Focusing on the present is what really matters.
    “Right here, right now, there is no other place I want to be…”
  7. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
    I often wonder if today’s hits will resonate with my kids when they’re parents.
    “Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar!”

Maybe this is all part of a bigger plan. I’ll keep making my share of mistakes in hopes they’ll understand. If you’re looking for more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out this helpful resource here. And if you’re curious about boosting fertility, consider visiting this site.

Summary

These seven songs from my youth not only take me back to cherished memories but also serve as guiding lights as I navigate parenting in my 40s. From Cyndi Lauper’s anthem of fun to Ed Sheeran’s heartfelt ballads, each track reminds me of the emotional journey of growing up and the lessons I want to share with my daughters.