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If Today’s Parents Were Inspired by Iconic Teen Characters
by Jamie Parker
Updated: March 16, 2023
Originally Published: March 16, 2023
“Don’t you… forget about me…” If you grew up in the ’80s, you likely know this tune and the movie it hails from: The Breakfast Club. I was just 14 when the film hit theaters, grappling with the same teenage turmoil as many of my peers. The film’s raw portrayal of adolescent struggles struck a chord with Generation X, making our angst feel valid for the first time.
Now, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Breakfast Club’s release, I began to wonder: What if those beloved characters navigated the trials of parenthood alongside us? Did Claire the Princess find herself in shock during her first diaper disaster? Did Andy the Athlete ponder why his little one wouldn’t stop wailing? Could Brian the Brain help his kids tackle their math homework? Did Allison the Basket Case fret when her child struggled to make friends?
Here’s my imaginative take on how these characters might have evolved into parents:
The Brain
Brian has become a dedicated Scoutmaster and a deacon at his local church. Each year, he relishes the opportunity to help his children shine at the Science Fair. Last year, he assisted his daughter in creating a hovercraft that snagged the top honors at the local and state Science Fair competitions.
The Athlete
Andy is the proud father of two boys who are heavily involved in travel sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. He takes on the role of head coach or assistant coach for all their teams, spending his summers ferrying them to elite sports camps. His desk job conveniently allows him to leave early for their games.
The Basket Case
Allison explored various paths like homeschooling, organic farming, and couponing before finding her niche in mommy blogging. With nearly 80,000 followers on her blog’s Facebook page and contributions to notable platforms like Huffington Post, she’s even working on a book.
The Princess
Claire has embraced the role of a stay-at-home mom, dedicating her time to volunteering in her kids’ classrooms and recently wrapping up her term as PTA secretary. She delights in playing tennis at the club and is an active member of the Junior League.
The Criminal
John has settled into a hardworking career in trades. Divorced and raising one son, you can usually find him at the local bar when he’s not cheering on his child during basketball games, where his son shares a team with one of Andy’s boys. It’s amusing how John occasionally bumps into Claire around town.
So, how do you envision these classic characters faring as parents today?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for a little nostalgia. I’m off to dig out my leg warmers, jellies, and maybe even a Rubik’s Cube. I think I might have a New Coke hidden away somewhere too!
For more insights on parenthood, check out this piece on home insemination kits. Also, if you’re curious about fertility, Make a Mom is a great authority on the subject. Additionally, for those navigating pregnancy, UCSF’s fertility insurance FAQs is an excellent resource.
In summary, imagining how iconic characters from The Breakfast Club would handle modern parenting offers a delightful and nostalgic perspective on the challenges of raising children today.