Ah, the classic childhood complaint: “Mom, I’m bored.” It’s a phrase that seems to echo through generations, but for children growing up in the ’80s, boredom was a foreign concept. Today’s kids often expect their parents to fill every moment with entertainment, but back in the day, we thrived on our own creativity and resourcefulness.
Reflecting on my own upbringing, I can’t remember ever uttering those words to my mother. I suspect that if I had, her response would have been something like, “Figure it out.” Parenting in the ’80s didn’t include the same level of hands-on engagement that we see today. Back then, parents were often preoccupied with their own lives—whether it was catching up on the news, working out to the latest workout tape, or simply enjoying a moment of peace. As kids, we learned early on that finding ways to entertain ourselves was part of the deal.
I remember those afternoons after school vividly. I’d kick off my shoes, grab a snack, and settle in for a rerun of a favorite show. Whether it was munching on a box of Dunkaroos or popping a Capri Sun while watching “The A-Team,” those moments were pure bliss. Once homework was done, I’d crank up the volume on my cassette player, reveling in the latest hits from pop icons. I could spend hours writing letters to my favorite bands, meticulously crafting each word with my favorite gel pens, all while surrounded by a colorful array of stickers.
Creativity was the name of the game. We would create elaborate games, ride our bikes for miles, and gather friends for spontaneous adventures—no adult supervision required. I still recall our group gathering in the evenings, sharing mixtapes and secrets, all while the world outside faded into a blur. The thrill of exploring our neighborhoods and dreaming up new games kept us engaged and entertained.
Today, it seems that many kids have difficulty finding ways to amuse themselves when the excitement of organized activities and screens fades. They often look to their parents for solutions, but maybe it’s time for us to encourage a little self-sufficiency. The next time my kids mention boredom, I won’t rush to fill the void. Instead, I’ll simply smile and suggest, “I’m sure you can come up with something.”
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In summary, kids in the ’80s didn’t have the luxury of instant entertainment at their fingertips. Instead, they learned the art of self-entertainment, creativity, and resilience—a valuable lesson that today’s children may need to rediscover.
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