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Sorry Kids, You Just Won’t Get It
Let’s be honest: while growing up in the 21st century has its perks, I can’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for my kids. They’re missing out on some of the simple joys of childhood that I cherished. Here are a few that stand out:
Arcades
Before gaming consoles became common in every home and on every smartphone, the local arcade was a magical realm. A quarter was your ticket to a world of adventure, and everyone knew your initials on the high score board.
UHF Channels
Being home sick had its silver lining—endless black-and-white sitcoms on those off-network channels. The fuzzy reception just added to the nostalgia.
Love Letters
Texting abbreviations can’t compare to the thrill of receiving a heartfelt letter—one that you read and refolded over and over, tucked away in a shoebox in your teenage room.
Surprise Parties
Good luck pulling one of those off today with social media, group chats, and location-sharing apps making it nearly impossible to keep a secret.
Battle of the Network Stars
Where else could you witness Mr. T and Mr. Drummond battling it out in inflatable canoes? Now that was real entertainment!
Guessing Lyrics
In the pre-Google days, figuring out song lyrics meant listening to your favorites repeatedly. Debating with friends whether “I’m a desk, I’m a desk” made more sense than “Amadeus, Amadeus” was a source of endless laughter.
The Fat Envelope
Nowadays, college acceptance letters arrive via email, but there was something thrilling about receiving that big envelope in the mail.
Afterschool Specials
Sure, there are other ways to learn about tough topics like teen pregnancy or drug use, but nothing hits quite like the cheesy yet poignant storytelling of those ’80s made-for-TV specials.
Calendar Countdown
My kids have countdown apps for their big events, but crossing off days with a red pen had a satisfaction all its own while waiting for summer break.
Waiting for Your Tune
Before streaming services, if you wanted to hear your favorite song, you had to be lucky enough to catch it on the radio. Sometimes, you’d even call in a request!
Limited Edition McDonald’s Glasses
Remember the thrill of collecting those glasses and bickering with your sibling over who got to use the coolest one?
Schoolhouse Rock
Learning the preamble of the Constitution or multiplication tables was so much more fun with catchy songs—minus the missing words that probably cost us points on quizzes!
The Way-Back of a Station Wagon
There’s nothing like rolling around in the back of a station wagon, mixing a delightful chaos with a grocery run.
The Love Boat
Before reality TV took over, this was the show where former stars gathered. “Meet me on the lido deck!” was a phrase that meant fun.
Maybe it’s time to dig out my oversized Benetton sweater and catch a Brady Bunch marathon. I just might invite my kids to join me!
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Summary
This article reflects on the unique joys of childhood that kids today are missing out on, from the charm of arcades to the thrill of waiting for your favorite song on the radio. It highlights nostalgic experiences like love letters, surprise parties, and the simple pleasures that defined growing up in a different era.