As my children have grown and we’ve finally said goodbye to Caillou in our DVR, my husband and I have begun to share with our tweens a truly iconic film genre: the movies of the 1980s.
Reflecting on those classic films takes me back to my youth—a time of layered socks, gravity-defying hairstyles, and hours spent chatting on my pink princess phone, which I’m sure was busier than a whole team of AT&T operators. I take pride in the fact that my generation brought forth cinematic treasures like Spies Like Us and Caddyshack. Icons like John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, and Chevy Chase, along with the likes of Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy, were ever-present in our lives, shaping our identities through their unforgettable performances and storylines.
These films tackled challenging topics like societal issues, teenage angst, and even time travel, all while offering life lessons wrapped in humor and nostalgia. Who didn’t fantasize about John Cusack serenading them from outside their window with a boom box?
Watching these beloved ‘80s films with my kids has revealed that many of them contain valuable lessons that can help us Gen X parents navigate the rocky terrain of raising tweens. Here are 12 relatable tween dilemmas paired with their corresponding ‘80s movie solutions:
- For a tween facing bullying, Some Kind of Wonderful is a timeless choice. Who doesn’t love a story where the good guy triumphs? Plus, those earrings worn by Mary Stuart Masterson are legendary!
- If your tween is looking to sharpen their babysitting skills, Adventures in Babysitting is the perfect guide, complete with a Thor hat. Knowing how to belt out the blues is definitely a marketable skill!
- If your teen needs a reminder to let loose, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off will inspire them to embrace joy. After all, they got to eat pancreas!
- If your teen struggles to fit in, Can’t Buy Me Love teaches that even the most unexpected heroes can be cool—especially when they’re riding lawn mowers.
- For a teen hesitant about college applications, Animal House offers a peek into the fun of Greek life, which might just spark their enthusiasm for those transcripts.
- When it comes to discussing sex, Dirty Dancing has the answers. Penny’s story, while cautionary, highlights the importance of being honest and open.
- If you’ve been so wrapped up in planning your older daughter’s wedding that you’ve overlooked your younger daughter’s birthday, show her Sixteen Candles. Jake Ryan never forgets important moments!
- For a tween showing disrespect, Mr. Mom reminds them that moms sometimes work hard, and dads can handle things too. 220, 221, whatever it takes, right?
- If your teen seems eager to grow up too quickly, Big is a fun way to show them that adulthood isn’t always as glamorous as it seems—unless, of course, they love silly string!
- If you dread the thought of teaching your teen to drive, let License to Drive ease those fears. What’s the worst that could happen?
- If your teen doesn’t make the football team, just remind them of one word: Rudy. The power of perseverance is a lesson worth learning.
- For a teen anxious about graduation and post-high school life, St. Elmo’s Fire might help them see that college can be a place to forge lifelong friendships and have some fun along the way.
These films remind us that each ‘80s movie offers a nugget of wisdom that can enrich our parenting. We owe it to our kids to revisit these classics and relive the magic of our youth. And hey, if you want to embrace the nostalgia, feel free to throw on that old jean jacket and your favorite Frankie Says Relax T-shirt while you revisit your VHS collection.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to help my daughter with her history homework. She’s delving into Medieval history, and it’s inconceivable just how much work she has ahead of her!
For further information on parenting, consider checking out our other posts, such as our guide on artificial insemination kits. Resources like Resolve can also provide valuable insights into family planning, making it easier for you to navigate parenthood.
Summary
The article explores how classic ‘80s films can provide valuable lessons for modern parenting, particularly for navigating the challenges of raising tweens and teens. Each film serves as a tool to address specific issues, from bullying and social pressures to college anxiety and family dynamics, reminding us that revisiting these stories can enhance our parenting journey.
Keyphrase: ’80s movies parenting advice
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