As my children grow older and we’ve finally bid farewell to endless episodes of that animated child, my partner and I have begun to share with our two tweens the brilliance of ‘80s cinema—truly the finest genre ever created.
These films whisk me back to an era of layered socks, gravity-defying hairstyles, and a time when my pink princess phone was practically an extension of my arm. I take pride in my generation’s contribution to cinema, from classics like Ghostbusters to The Breakfast Club. Icons such as John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, and Molly Ringwald were the guiding stars of our youth, influencing our style choices from Duckie shoes to the suede dresses we borrowed from our moms’ wardrobes.
‘80s movies tackled significant issues—social challenges, heartbreak, and even time travel. We learned about camaraderie from secret societies, grappled with prejudice in academic settings, and fantasized about a time when heroes would declare, “As you wish.” Life felt more straightforward viewed through the lens of John Hughes, and I bet many of us wished for a moment where John Cusack stood outside our window holding a boombox.
Revisiting these iconic films with my kids has unveiled a treasure trove of lessons that can guide us as Gen X parents through the complex tween years. It’s true—these nostalgic flicks can enrich our parenting journey. Here’s a list of 12 common tween dilemmas paired with their perfect ‘80s movie counterpart:
- Is your tween facing bullying? Watch Some Kind of Wonderful; it’s timeless to see the underdog triumph.
- For babysitting tips, Adventures in Babysitting is your go-to guide—complete with a Thor hat! Learning to sing the blues is a must-have skill.
- If your teen needs a reminder to have fun, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off will inspire them to embrace life’s spontaneity. Plus, they got to enjoy a unique lunch!
- Struggling to fit in? Can’t Buy Me Love illustrates that sometimes, the most unexpected heroes come on lawnmowers.
- If college applications feel daunting, Animal House offers a humorous glimpse into campus life that may spark interest.
- Need to discuss the birds and the bees? Dirty Dancing covers the topic with grace—just remember, no one puts Baby in the corner.
- Did you forget a birthday while planning a wedding? Show your daughter Sixteen Candles; Jake Ryan always comes through.
- If respect is lacking, Mr. Mom reminds us that parents juggle various roles, and sometimes, Dads can be just as nurturing.
- Does your teen wish to grow up too fast? Show them Big, a film that reveals that adulthood isn’t always as glamorous as it seems.
- Dreading teaching your teen to drive? License to Drive is a humorous take on the chaos of learning.
- If your teen didn’t make the football team, just say: Rudy, RUDY, RUUUUDY!
- Anxious about graduation? St. Elmo’s Fire might help them see that friendships forged in college last a lifetime—and sometimes lead to romance.
Each ‘80s movie is a wellspring of wisdom that can help us as parents, reminding us of our own youthful experiences. Enjoying these classics with our kids not only strengthens our bond but also serves as a valuable educational tool. No shame if you don your old denim jacket and a retro T-shirt while diving into your VHS collection!
And now, I must assist my daughter with her homework on Medieval history—it’s hard to comprehend how much she has to study tonight.
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In summary, ‘80s films provide invaluable life lessons that can enhance our parenting strategies while fostering a sense of nostalgia and fun.