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Reliving the Best Decade: The ’80s Through My Kids’ Eyes
The vibrant memories of the 1980s are not just relics of my past; they have become a shared experience with my children. Surprisingly, my kids have developed a genuine affection for various aspects of my beloved decade, from its music to its pop culture. Each week, we gather as a family to watch The Goldbergs, a show that transports us back to a time marked by simplicity, even as they navigate their own uncomplicated childhood years. This bonding experience has proven to be a precious gift, allowing us to connect over nostalgic memories that I am thrilled to revisit with them.
During a recent shopping trip to the mall for summer attire for my daughter, I was delighted to see her choose a pair of shorts reminiscent of those I wore in 1985—colorful, nylon, and quite short. As she modeled the teal and purple shorts, I found myself wishing for the return of Jordache jeans. On that same excursion, she discovered a love for jelly shoes, bright pink and slightly small. I promised to help her find a proper pair and thought about getting one for myself. I remembered my first pair, which, while causing blisters, sparkled beautifully in the summer sun.
My son, however, is less interested in fashion. He pokes fun at his sister’s newfound passion for jelly shoes and ridicules her hair crimper, a birthday gift. Yet, he immerses himself in YouTube videos focused on solving the Rubik’s Cube, mastering patterns and speed solving. I remind him that, unlike today, kids in my era often resorted to peeling stickers to appear as if they had conquered the cube. One morning, I was startled awake by the faint clicking of his Cube at 5:30 a.m.
While the fashion trends and music of the ’80s were iconic, my true passion lies in the movies. I fondly recall the wonder I felt when Elliott met E.T., the bittersweet goodbye, and the thrill of the DeLorean speeding out of the Twin Pines Mall. I can still vividly picture the horror when Gizmo’s fur gave way to mischievous creatures. Now, I am fortunate enough to relive these classic moments with my kids, imparting the lessons I learned to them. They grasp the enduring truth that Goonies never die, and they learn to respect the babysitter.
We regularly enjoy ’80s films during family movie nights, on sick days, or simply to reminisce about simpler times. My son, who recently stayed home from school due to a virus, watched Over the Top. In this film, Sylvester Stallone’s character seeks to repair his fractured relationship with his son through arm wrestling, striving to win a national title in Las Vegas. Though cheesy, it was utterly captivating. I noticed my son’s eyes glistening with unshed tears, despite his insistence that he wasn’t affected. This emotional connection is what makes the ’80s special; they encapsulate a kindness and innocence that I see reflected in my children.
The resurgence of ’80s culture is heartwarming. Although it seems to be making a comeback, those of us who thrived in that era never truly let it fade away. We were fortunate to experience and grow up in what many consider the greatest decade ever.
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In summary, sharing the joys of the ’80s with my children has brought us closer together, allowing us to explore the music, movies, and memories of that era while creating new ones in the present.