You know how the older generation loves to say that we younger moms are too anxious? Well, in our defense, there’s a lot on our minds: organic shopping (or not), the quest for the right after-school activities, and that twinge of guilt when we lose our cool. Sound familiar?
But were our mothers really as chill as they appear? Before I add “I worry too much” to my ever-growing list of concerns, let’s take a moment to consider that those fabulous 1970s and 1980s moms had their own unique set of worries that might not even cross our minds today:
Medieval Feminine Hygiene Products
I remember my fifth grade puberty book, ominously named Growing Up and Liking It, which mentioned “belted” versus “beltless” pads. Even as an adult, I still don’t want to know what that means, but you can bet our moms do. And I’m definitely not asking!
No Seat Belts in Cars
Let’s get real for a second—they weren’t worried about safety; they were worried about their sanity! Picture this: a feisty 3-year-old roaming freely in the backseat while your own focus is on steering without crashing. Today, car rides can be chaotic, but at least we can rest easy knowing our little ones are strapped in. Sure, there’s still yelling and a bit of bickering, but no one is climbing out of the windows or launching themselves into the front seat. (By the way, this explains why spanking wasn’t viewed as cruel back then—necessities of life, right?)
Pantyhose
Does anyone even wear these anymore? I certainly try to avoid them. Sure, it means you need to shave, but what’s that compared to your mother encased in thick brown L’eggs in a non-air-conditioned car on a sweltering August day? That crank window sure wasn’t helping her sweaty legs stick to a hot vinyl seat!
Hideous Color Schemes
Let’s not even start on the interior design of the past—orange, brown, avocado, and gold? Enough said.
Uncomfortable Clothing
Ah, the joy of yoga pants and leggings! Need I say more? These comfy wonders are a modern miracle, especially when you’re juggling breast milk, sticky fingers, and muddy toddler shoes. Sorry, polyester; you can’t compete with glorious, stretchy comfort!
Alright, I’ll admit it: we probably do have a tendency to worry a bit more than our mothers did. But the next time anxiety creeps in, I’ll try to remember to look back instead of forward. I mean, my brothers used to drive our mom bonkers with their antics in public, and I remember throwing my fair share of dramatic tantrums as a kid. My parents treated those moments as just part of the journey, not something to consult a parenting expert about.
And let’s not forget the hilarious tales from my sweet mother-in-law, who would chase her kids with a wooden spoon for some minor mischief. They all turned out to be great adults, and now both my mom and mother-in-law are calm, lovely grandmas. Someday, that’ll be me (fingers crossed!), and I’ll be rocking my yoga pants with pride.
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In summary, while we may think we have it tougher than our mothers did, it’s essential to remember that every generation has its hurdles. By reflecting on their experiences, we can navigate our own parenting journey with a little more humor and a lot less worry.