Being a mom is an incredible role, and I cherish every moment of it. I hope my children recognize how much I love this journey. My own mom set a fantastic example, making motherhood look like a breeze filled with fun and laughter. She navigated parenting in a time when life was more laid-back—free from worries about GMOs, UV rays, or seat belts. Honestly, it must have been a blast to be a parent back then, and I know it was a great time to be a kid! Here are twelve reasons why my mom and other ’70s moms were just so rad:
- She Celebrated Individuality: “Free to Be…You and Me” was more than a phrase; it was a lifestyle. My mom taught us that it’s okay to cry, not to judge by appearances, and that moms are people too!
- She Lit Up: Sure, we know smoking isn’t cool today, but back then, it had an allure. Plus, it inspired us to create funky ashtrays in art class.
- She Gave Us Candy Cigarettes: What’s better than playing pretend? We could “smoke” like our moms with our candy cigarettes.
- She Kicked the Habit: Major kudos for quitting smoking, Mom. I thought giving up Diet Coke was hard!
- She Rocked the Accessories: My mom wore chunky turquoise rings that clicked against the steering wheel of her station wagon as she belted out “I Am Woman” on her 8-track.
- She Had a Social Life: Afternoons were spent playing bridge, often accompanied by a strawberry daiquiri and a cigarette.
- She Was a Craft Queen: From embroidering denim shirts for the whole family (and even the babysitter!) to creating masterpieces that still hang in my closet, her creativity knew no bounds.
- She Taught Us Dance Moves: I still remember learning The Hustle at Vacation Bible school, right after indulging in Kool-Aid and Little Debbies.
- She Introduced Us to Classic Cinema: We saw “Grease” together, and while she was mortified when she realized it had adult themes, we were blissfully unaware—listening to the soundtrack on repeat.
- She Was a Multi-Tasker: My mom could bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan, all while keeping a smile on her face!
- She Explored New Hobbies: Whether it was belly dancing, tole painting, or calligraphy, she was always learning something new—though we may have been left with a questionable babysitter at times.
- She Loved Humor: Erma Bombeck’s writings made her laugh, and they’re still just as relatable and funny today.
Of course, my mom was still rocking the ’80s with her Jane Fonda workout tapes and shoulder pads. It’s fun to think about what memories my kids will have of me—like my love for yoga pants or my infamous spinach brownies. Maybe I should pick up embroidery!
Disclaimer: My mom quit smoking shortly after I was born, but my grandparents still smoked, leading to many art projects involving ashtrays for them. Also, her bridge club met in the evenings, while afternoons were meant for taking us to the pool—where we soaked up the sun without sunscreen for hours.
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In summary, moms in the ’70s brought a unique flair to parenting that blended freedom, fun, and creativity. From dance moves to craft projects, they paved the way for a generation filled with unforgettable memories.