I fondly recall those sun-soaked beach days of my childhood in the ’80s, spent with my mom and sisters. Life felt uncomplicated back then. As I watch fellow moms today striving to recreate those enchanting memories, it’s clear that things have shifted quite a bit since my days of slathering on baby oil and lounging on a beach towel. Here’s a glimpse into how our beach outings have evolved:
1. The Food
Back in the ’80s, my mother would pack a bucket of fried chicken, a bag of Doritos, and a thermos filled with Kool-Aid. If we were fortunate, a bag of cookies like Pecan Sandies or Double Stuf Oreos would make its way into the cooler. Once the food was gone, that was it. Nowadays, we’re slicing organic fruits and veggies, whipping up gluten-free energy bars, and filling up BPA-free pouches with purees for the kids. We make sure to bring enough filtered water and juice—no artificial dyes allowed! And fried chicken? That’s a distant memory.
2. The Sunscreen
During my childhood, I distinctly remember applying sunscreen just twice. Mostly, I coated myself in baby oil, cranked up the tanning amplifier, and spritzed my hair with Sun-In. Foil was definitely involved at some point! Fast forward to today, and we’re donning sun hats, slathering on SPF 554 sunscreen (with hourly reapplications), and outfitting our kids in swim shirts designed for sun protection.
3. The Equipment
In the ’80s, all we needed was a towel for each kid and a food bag that my mom carried. Now, the beach resembles a mini resort: umbrellas, tents, coolers, an array of colorful toys, and lounge chairs for even the tiniest toddlers. I swear I spotted an inflatable sofa on my last visit!
4. The Toys
When I was young, we had no fancy beach toys. I think we once had a beach ball, but it blew away before we could really enjoy it. We spent hours building sandcastles, our knees sore and backs sunburned but happy. Today, kids show up with sand molds, shovels, and dump trucks. I’ve lugged two bags of toys for my kids, only to find they prefer playing with shells and sticks, just like I used to.
5. The Music
In the ’80s, a boom box accompanied our beach trips, blasting mixtapes filled with Prince, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. Replaying our favorite songs meant hitting the rewind button and waiting a moment. Today, everyone has their own iPods or iPhones with earbuds.
This summer, I’m determined to give my kids a taste of what those ’80s beach days felt like. So, if you see a woman with a drumstick in her mouth, hoisting a boom box over her shoulder, that’s probably me. I’m sure it’ll mortify my children, but I’ll relish the fun—and I bet they will too, even if they won’t admit it.
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In summary, beach days have transformed from simple, carefree outings into meticulously planned events filled with modern conveniences. While we adapt to these changes, the essence of those sunny memories remains, and it’s up to us to keep the spirit of those joyful days alive.
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