While many trends from the 1980s fade in and out of fashion, my children have developed a genuine appreciation for the essence of that decade. Each week, as we gather as a family to watch our beloved show, The Goldbergs, they accompany me on a nostalgic journey to a simpler time, even as they navigate their own youthful experiences. This shared passion has strengthened our connection in ways I never anticipated, allowing us to bond over cherished memories from my past.
On a recent shopping trip to the mall for summer attire for my daughter, I was both thrilled and surprised when she chose a pair of vibrant, nylon shorts reminiscent of my own from 1985. As she slipped into the teal and purple shorts, I couldn’t help but hope for a revival of Jordache jeans. Meanwhile, her newfound fascination with jelly shoes, particularly a bright pink pair that was a size too small, struck me with nostalgia. I promised we would search for a proper pair, musing that I might indulge in a pair for myself. I recalled my first jelly shoes, which, while causing blisters, sparkled so beautifully in the summer sunlight.
My son, however, showed little interest in fashion. He teased his sister for her obsession with jelly shoes and the hair crimper I gifted her for her birthday. Yet, he spends hours engrossed in YouTube tutorials on solving the Rubik’s Cube, mastering patterns and achieving impressive speeds. I reminded him that, in my day, we lacked such resources; kids would often resort to pulling off stickers to create the illusion of expertise. One morning, I noticed him quietly clicking the Cube at 5:30 a.m.
While the fashion and trends of the ’80s were remarkable, my greatest love from that era lies in its films. I vividly recall the magic of Elliott meeting E.T. and the bittersweet moment of their farewell. The iconic scene of the DeLorean racing out of the Twin Pines Mall still sends shivers down my spine. Watching these films now with my children has become a shared experience, creating parallels between the lessons I learned and those they are absorbing. They now understand that “Goonies never say die” and the importance of respecting the babysitter.
We enjoy movie nights filled with ’80s classics, especially on days when we seek comfort or respite from the everyday grind. For instance, during a recent sick day, my son, battling a virus, watched Over the Top, a tale of Sylvester Stallone striving to rekindle his bond with his son through arm wrestling. Although cheesy, the film resonated deeply; I noticed him fighting back tears, a testament to the emotional depth that these stories carry.
It’s heartening to see the resurgence of ’80s culture. It never truly disappeared for those of us who experienced the formative years of our lives during that time.
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In summary, sharing the essence of the ’80s with my children has created lasting memories and connections. It’s a decade filled with valuable lessons, emotional films, and nostalgic fashion that continues to influence our family.