12 Ways Moms in the ’70s Were Totally Groovy

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Being a mom is truly one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. I cherish every moment I spend with my kids and hope they recognize the joy I find in motherhood. I had a fantastic role model in my mom, who made parenting look effortless and enjoyable. She had the luxury of raising kids in a time when the worries were a whole lot lighter—no one was fretting over GMOs, UV rays, or seat belts. It was a fantastic era to grow up in, and here are 12 reasons why my mother and other ’70s moms were so awesome:

1. She Embraced Individuality: My mom championed the idea of being your authentic self. She taught us that it’s okay to express emotions, not to judge others based on appearances, and that housework is a universal struggle. And let’s not forget her quirky wisdom about horses!
2. She Smoked with Style: While we now know that smoking is harmful, back then, it was almost a rite of passage. Not only did it look chic, but we also got to create funky ashtrays during art class!
3. She Gave Us Candy Cigarettes: For the ultimate role-play experience, she bought us candy cigarettes so we could “smoke” just like her.
4. She Kicked the Habit: Major props to my mother for quitting smoking. I thought giving up Diet Coke was tough!
5. She Dressed with Flair: My mom wore vibrant turquoise rings that jingled as she drove her station wagon—while belting out “I Am Woman” on her 8-track player.
6. She Played Bridge: In the afternoons, she would gather with friends to enjoy bridge, strawberry daiquiris, and maybe a smoke or two.
7. She Had a Crafty Side: My mom embroidered matching denim shirts not just for our family but also for our cousins and babysitters. One shirt still hangs in my closet, adorned with a butterfly and flowers. Jealous yet?
8. She Taught Us to Dance: The Hustle was a must-know at Vacation Bible School, right after indulging in Kool-Aid and Little Debbies.
9. She Introduced Us to Movies: Taking us to see Grease was a highlight, even if she was shocked when she realized the film’s deeper themes— we were blissfully unaware, even after jamming to the soundtrack countless times.
10. She Juggled Work and Home: My mom was a powerhouse who could bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan!
11. She Explored New Hobbies: From belly dancing to calligraphy and Parent Effectiveness Training, she tried it all! Sure, we may have been left with a babysitter who fed us butter and sugar sandwiches, but we survived!
12. She Loved Erma Bombeck: Her humorous takes on motherhood remain timeless and relatable, even today.

Of course, my mom continued to shine in the ’80s with her Jane Fonda workout tapes and fashion-forward shoulder pads. I often ponder what memories my kids will hold on to about me. Will it be my unending love for yoga pants? The infamous spinach brownies? Or maybe they’ll remember this blog? Perhaps I should take up embroidery!

Disclaimer: Just to clarify, my mother quit smoking shortly after I was born, but my grandparents were still smokers, so I had my fair share of crafting ashtrays for them. Her bridge club did meet in the evenings, and afternoons were reserved for pool outings—where we basked in the sun without a care for sunscreen, of course.

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In summary, the ’70s were a time of unique parenting styles and memorable experiences. Moms like mine embraced life with enthusiasm, creating unforgettable moments for their children.