As someone who grew up in the vibrant 1980s, my experiences were shaped by a culture that celebrated music videos and quirky humor. I fondly remember sporting green hair and combat boots, only to find myself in the kitchen today, baking everything from cookies to pies. Motherhood has undeniably reshaped my identity, influencing not just my values but also my perspective on the world around me. Recently, I found myself revisiting some childhood favorites, only to discover they evoke entirely different emotions now that I’m a mom. Here are my top seven films that took on new meanings:
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Adventures in Babysitting
As a child: The thrill of babysitting adventures, cute college guys, and road trips seemed exhilarating.
As a mom: This film is now the stuff of nightmares. It serves as a reminder of why I seldom leave the house without my children. -
Stand By Me
As a child: The idea of an adventure with friends, free from adult supervision, felt liberating.
As a mom: Watching this film is a lesson in anxiety; the near-misses and dangerous situations the kids encounter are terrifying. I often reflect on this in therapy. -
Beaches
As a child: I adored Bette Midler and dreamed of Broadway stardom.
As a mom: The tragic fate of the Barbara Hershey character hits too close to home. I couldn’t even bear to watch this while pregnant. -
The Breakfast Club
As a child: This film was groundbreaking and relatable. I memorized every line, even despite the edited TV dialogue.
As a mom: I now question the absence of shop classes and worry about my gifted child’s well-being, particularly the risky behaviors depicted. -
The Karate Kid
As a child: The mentorship of an older figure in martial arts was thrilling.
As a mom: The idea of my sons spending time alone with an unrelated older man raises several red flags, especially when he gives Daniel a car. -
Back to the Future
As a child: Doc Brown was an ideal friend, and the concept of time travel was captivating.
As a mom: The dynamic between the older man and a teenage boy in this film feels unsettling, not to mention the embarrassment of my child seeing my high school self. -
The Goonies
As a child: An epic treasure hunt filled with adventure and camaraderie was the epitome of fun.
As a mom: I can’t help but question where their parents were during all of this chaos. By the time help arrived, an Amber Alert should have been issued.
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In summary, the films that once inspired joy now evoke a complex blend of nostalgia and concern, reflecting the profound changes motherhood has wrought in my life.