I Want To Be a ’90’s Mom

According to a very scientific Buzzfeed quiz, I am 98% ‘90’s kid.  I wear this newfound honor with pride. Let’s be real: there is no better decade.  And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. The Internet is full of “old millennials” (those of us born between 1981-1988) waxing nostalgic all about the era that brought us the Dawson/Joey/Pacey love triangle, chunky Doc Martens, and girl power anthems from The Spice Girls. When I think back to my childhood, I am instantly transported to a time of drinking sugary Hi-C juice boxes, eagerly awaiting the latest Baby-Sitters Club book, and collecting far too many Beanie Babies.

While reminiscing on my own youth, I can’t help but think how completely different my daughter’s upbringing will be. One of the most important distinctions about being a so-called old millennial is that while we take complete advantage of the modern technologies afforded to us in 2018, we can also recall what life was like before we were all glued to various devices. And truth be told, I have to admit, I prefer the way it was.  

I’m ready to bid parenting 2018-style farewell; I want to Mom like it’s the ‘90’s.  Here’s what that means for me:

1. Be Mindful about Technology

During my childhood, technology meant playing the Oregon Trail in the computer lab at school, putting up clever away messages on AIM, and taking photos on a disposable camera. Needless to say, my daughter’s childhood looks nothing like this! She’s only two, so she hasn’t begged for the most upgraded phone or started her own Instagram account, but she is well aware of the devices around her. I want to be intentional about how we use technology and not rely on it too heavily. This includes my own behavior as well; I don’t want her first memory to be Mommy attached to her phone. Technology will undoubtedly evolve so much by the time she is a teenager, and while it is certainly not something we will avoid, it is something we will teach her to use thoughtfully.

 2. Get Outside

Some of my favorite memories growing up involve playing outside in my close-knit neighborhood. Every house with kids had an open backyard policy, and swing sets and playhouses were always full. Bike rides, slip-n-slides, and rollerblades: our neighborhood wasn’t extravagant, but as a kid, I felt like we had it all. My daughter has LOVED being outdoors her whole life, and I hope that only continues.  Right now it doesn’t take much more than some bubbles or ‘painting’ our steps with water to make her the happiest girl in the world. One day, I envision her chasing lightening bugs, playing tag with her friends, and begging to sleep under the stars.  Outdoor play is the perfect trifecta: it helps expel never-ending kid energy, it promotes an active lifestyle, AND it doesn’t involve a device. WIN-WIN-WIN!

3. Encourage Imaginative Play

Alright, 90’s girls, I have two words for you: POLLY POCKETS.  Who else was completely obsessed with these miniature toys?  I would spend HOURS playing with my Polly Pockets in my own blissful little world.  My daughter is just getting to the age where she is into dollhouses.  It is the sweetest sound to hear the little conversations she has between her dolls, and I love to see her imagination grow. As a wannabe ‘90’s mom, I know that my 2018 kid doesn’t need the latest toy with all the bells and whistles. Her ever-growing imagination is the greatest toy of all.

4. Limit Instant Gratification

Many things that we now take for granted in 2018 were once a very big deal. Specifically, I’m talking movie nights. Instant gratification, in the form of Netflix, has pretty much made this a non-event for kids these days, as they can choose from hundreds of movies within seconds. This will simply not do for a ‘90’s style mom!  I’m going to reclaim the fun of movie night! Sure, I won’t be taking my daughter to First Choice Video on a Friday night to pick out her favorite VHS, (be kind, rewind!) but I can still make something as simple as a movie night a big deal. Maybe it will be assembling a pillow and blanket fort; maybe it will be sleeping bags in Mommy and Daddy’s room; maybe it will be an extra special ‘movie night only’ snack. I’m not sure what our future movie nights will look like, (2-year-old attention span right now!) but I do know that I want them to be a highly anticipated event.

 Now you’ll have to excuse me – I’ve got to go dust off my CD collection, rock high-waist jeans, douse myself in Tommy Girl, and raise the roof to the Backstreet Boys.  Time to Mom – 90’s style!