As I sit down to reminisce about my own middle school experiences, I can’t help but wonder how kids today express their feelings for one another. Did we pass notes asking, “Will you be my girlfriend?” or scribble messages on each other’s hands? What about those slap bracelets? Truthfully, the details are a bit fuzzy, and the realization that it’s been 24 years since those days hits hard.
But enough about my past; let’s focus on the present. What are today’s kids doing? The answer: scrunchies. Yes, those vibrant hair accessories, adored by VSCO girls and once popular back in the ‘90s, have taken on a fresh meaning. When a girl has a crush on a boy in junior high, she gifts him one of her scrunchies, which he proudly wears on his wrist. This revelation was brought to light by a North Carolina mom, Sarah Thompson, whose Facebook post warning middle school moms went viral, garnering nearly 45,000 shares. She even appeared on Good Morning America, where she received an outpouring of gratitude from other parents for uncovering the mystery of the scrunchie phenomenon.
It all started when Sarah found several scrunchies in her laundry. Rather than jumping to conclusions or seeking answers online, she chose to ask her son directly. To her amazement, he explained the trend, which is quite impressive given that honest communication with pre-teens is rare.
Now, I find myself in a similar situation with my almost 13-year-old son. I haven’t noticed any scrunchies on his wrist, which leaves me to ponder a few possibilities: maybe he’s not as popular as I was, or perhaps he’s a free spirit uninterested in this trend. It could also be that this scrunchie craze hasn’t reached the Pacific Northwest yet.
What I do know is that scrunchies are affordable. If I were in junior high today, I might have timidly purchased a few, claiming an admirer from another school like Kevin from The Office.
This leads to the question: how do boys express their feelings? According to Sarah, when a boy likes a girl, he gives her his hoodie. This concept shouldn’t come as a surprise. I am still waiting for an old hoodie to be returned to me!
While I appreciate the emotional gestures, I can’t help but feel a bit concerned about my son giving away his hoodies—those are much pricier than scrunchies! He’ll need to be careful to avoid a cold winter without a warm jacket.
As we navigate these new social dynamics, it’s important to recognize that affection can transcend traditional boundaries. Hoodies and scrunchies can symbolize admiration regardless of gender.
Now that we know about the scrunchie trend, it might just lose its cool factor—much like when I learned what “YOLO” meant. But for now, it feels good to be in the loop. If your child returns home with scrunchies or a new hoodie, my advice? Just smile knowingly and let them navigate their middle school lives.
For more insights on parenting and relationships, you might want to check out some of our other blog posts, such as this one regarding terms and conditions. Additionally, if you’re looking for expert advice related to home insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource. For comprehensive information on infertility, the CDC provides an excellent resource.
In summary, the scrunchie trend among middle schoolers symbolizes a new way of expressing affection, much like gifting hoodies. While it may seem trivial, understanding these gestures can help parents connect with their children in a meaningful way.