Hey Millennial Parents, Let’s Revive the Spirit of 90s Summers!

June 22, 2022

The days felt endless, and so did the summers. I remember waking up, pouring myself a bowl of Frosted Flakes, and gazing at Tony the Tiger, wondering what adventures lay ahead. My mom would be on the phone with neighbors, tethered to the wall by a cord that limited her mobility to just a few feet. As I dashed outside to join my friends, she’d call out, “Stay where I can find you!” This meant roaming freely across several streets and countless houses. She was unconcerned because she knew I’d eventually come home, likely with a scraped knee and a peanut butter and fluff sandwich in hand.

The 90s were a unique era for parenting and childhood, filled with both challenges and benefits. While we faced issues like mental health stigma and a lack of healthy food options, we also enjoyed the freedom of technology-free days spent outdoors, unstructured play, and adventure. This summer, I’m determined to channel that nostalgic energy into my parenting approach. Here are some lessons I’m implementing based on my own childhood experiences.

The Value of Delayed Gratification (and Saying “No”)

As a parent, I often strive to say “yes” to my kids, but this can lead to an excess of yeses. This sometimes causes frustration when they have to wait for something—a pizza that takes a bit longer to cook or new sunglasses from an online order. Lara Goodrich, a psychologist from Hartford, Connecticut, points out that kids in the ’90s were better equipped to handle disappointment. They learned patience through the absence of instant gratification.

She explains, “Today’s parents face a challenge in teaching frustration tolerance because the world doesn’t inherently teach it anymore.” We can help our kids develop this skill by firmly saying “no” when necessary and encouraging them to try activities outside their comfort zones, fostering resilience and grit.

Embracing the Benefits of Boredom

As I juggle various daycare and camp schedules for my kids, I reminisce about the carefree days of my own childhood. Back then, boredom was a common experience, but it sparked creativity. My parents often shooed me outside to figure things out on my own. They didn’t realize they were providing me with a valuable gift—research shows that boredom can stimulate creative thinking.

This summer, I plan to create intentional periods of unstructured time for my kids to explore their interests and figure out what they want to do on their own. If they struggle, well, there’s always laundry to keep them occupied!

Navigating Inappropriate Content

In the ’90s, stumbling upon inappropriate content required effort—like sneaking a peek at a magazine under the bed or glancing at a movie cover at Blockbuster. Nowadays, kids have instant access to the internet, which can expose them to content they’re not ready for. Goodrich emphasizes the importance of having ongoing conversations about these topics, creating a safe space for kids to discuss anything they encounter online.

What We Don’t Miss About the ’90s

While the nostalgia of the 90s is strong, it’s important to acknowledge that some aspects of parenting have improved. Mental health awareness has grown significantly, shifting from a “suck it up” mentality to one that prioritizes emotional well-being. Goodrich highlights that while resilience is important, teaching children to manage and express their emotions is equally vital.

As we reflect on our childhoods, let’s strive to bring back the freedom, creativity, and adventure of 90s summers while also embracing the positive changes in parenting today.

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Summary: This article reflects on the nostalgic essence of 90s summers, highlighting the importance of delayed gratification, the benefits of boredom, and the differences in navigating inappropriate content in today’s digital age. It encourages parents to create unstructured, adventurous summer days for their kids, while also acknowledging the progress made in mental health awareness.