It seems my kids don’t just enjoy ’80s music; they have developed a genuine affection for everything that defined my favorite decade. Each week, as we gather to watch our beloved show, The Goldbergs, they join me on a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time, even as they savor their own youthful experiences. This shared journey has brought us closer than I ever imagined, allowing us to bond over cherished memories that I am thrilled to revisit with them.
During a recent visit to the mall, while picking out summer clothes for my daughter, I was taken aback when she chose a pair of shorts reminiscent of my own from 1985. They were vibrant, short, and made of nylon. As she modeled the teal and purple shorts, I couldn’t help but wish for the return of Jordache jeans.
On that same outing, she discovered a newfound love for jelly shoes that nearly matched my own from childhood. They were bright pink and just a tad too small. I promised we’d look for a perfect pair, and I even considered getting some for myself, recalling my first pair that made my feet sweaty and sometimes caused blisters, but glistened beautifully in the summer sun.
Meanwhile, my son, who couldn’t care less about fashion, teased his sister about her obsession and even mocked the hair crimper I gifted her for her birthday. Yet, he could spend hours watching YouTube videos on how to solve the Rubik’s Cube, mastering patterns at lightning speed. Whenever he gets a little too proud of his skills, I remind him that back in the day, we had no internet tutorials. Kids would simply cheat by repositioning the stickers to pretend they were pros. One morning, I awoke to the sound of clicking and discovered he was already up, twisting the cube at 5:30 a.m.
While the fashion and music of the ’80s were iconic, my true passion lies in the films from that era. I’ll never forget my amazement when Elliott met E.T. or the heartache I felt when they said their goodbyes. The image of the DeLorean speeding away from the Twin Pines Mall is etched in my memory, as is the shock I felt when Gizmo’s furry back sprouted strange little creatures after getting wet. Now, I have the joy of sharing these moments with my kids. They’re learning the same lessons I did, understanding that Goonies never say die and that you never cross the babysitter.
We enjoy ’80s films together during family movie nights, sick days, or whenever we crave a taste of simpler times. Recently, my son, home with a cold, watched Over the Top, a film where Sylvester Stallone tries to repair his relationship with his son through arm wrestling. He hopes to win a championship in Vegas to prove himself worthy of his son’s love. Cheesy? Absolutely. But it left every one of us misty-eyed. My son insists he wasn’t crying, but I could see the sparkle in his eyes. This is what we cherish about that decade; it was a time of innocence and kindness that I see reflected in my children.
I’m truly delighted that the 1980s are making a comeback, though for many of us who grew up during that time, they’ve never really left. They remain a vibrant part of our lives, filled with the laughter, play, and growth that defined the best decade ever.
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In summary, sharing my love for the ’80s with my kids has not only rekindled fond memories but also fostered a deeper connection with them. As we explore the music, fashion, and films that shaped my childhood, we create new memories together that will last a lifetime.