I grew up in the 1990s—a time when Friday nights meant renting a movie from Hometown Video, when caller ID was a luxury, and when summers were measured by scraped knees and freezie stains instead of screen time. And lately, I find myself longing to give my children a slice of that same simple, unfiltered childhood.
Raising kids in today’s world often feels like swimming against a tide of technology, pressure, and constant noise. Every moment is documented, every app a distraction, every trend demanding to be followed. And while I know there’s no turning back the clock completely, I’ve started intentionally carving out moments of “’90s magic” in our home—and the shift has been nothing short of freeing.
Back then, boredom was a blessing. Without on-demand entertainment, we had to make our own fun. We built forts, made up backyard games, and let our imaginations run wild. That’s the kind of creativity I want my kids to experience. So now, I let them be bored. I leave the tablet in the cupboard and tell them to go outside. And you know what? They always find something to do.
We’ve brought back family dinners without phones at the table, weekend bike rides, and even Saturday morning cartoons—on actual Saturday mornings. I’ve started printing photos instead of scrolling through them. I’m teaching my kids how to write letters, not just text messages. We play board games, not just video games. It’s not perfect, and it’s not always easy. But it’s grounding.
There’s a misconception that giving our kids a simpler childhood means depriving them of opportunities. I’d argue the opposite. Slowing things down gives them space to grow—emotionally, socially, creatively. They learn to solve problems without Googling them. They build relationships face-to-face. They experience the world with all five senses, not just through a screen.
Of course, I’m not pretending we live in 1994. My kids still use technology. But we’re trying to be more intentional. We treat devices as tools, not toys. We model balance, not constant connection.
What I’m really trying to give them isn’t just a 90s childhood. It’s freedom. It’s play. It’s presence. It’s learning how to entertain themselves, how to be comfortable in quiet moments, how to appreciate real connection. These aren’t just nostalgic ideals—they’re timeless needs.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of modern parenting, maybe it’s time to unplug a little. Open the door, kick them outside, and see what they come up with. You might be surprised by how much joy can come from a stick, a sprinkler, and a little imagination.
Let’s bring back some of that ‘90s magic—not just for our kids, but for ourselves, too.
By: A Mom Who Misses Rewind Buttons
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