The phrases that make my eyes roll are almost too familiar: “Mom, I’m bored.” It’s as if I’ve trained my kids to believe that their lack of entertainment is my responsibility. Perhaps it’s the intense parenting style I embraced during their early years, or maybe it’s that their packed schedules—with homework, sports, and youth group—leave them overwhelmed when it comes to finding ways to fill their own time.
They look at me expectantly, waiting for brilliant ideas to rescue them from their boredom. I try to help: Have you walked the dog? (Yes.) Practiced piano? (Yes.) Read a book? (Ugh.) How about a fun art project? (Groan.) Why don’t you whip up dinner? (Not a chance!) Shoot some hoops? (Too tired!) Play with your sibling? (No way!) Call your friend? (So lame!) Clean your room? (Moooommm!).
At this point, I throw in the towel.
I can’t remember ever telling my mom, “I’m bored.” If I had, her likely response would have been something like, “You’ll figure it out.” Back in the ’80s, engaging our children wasn’t exactly in the parent handbook. Our parents often sent us off without a second thought, busy with their own lives—whether it was talking on the phone, exercising with Jane Fonda, or reading the latest news about the Falklands. We understood the expectation to entertain ourselves—and we did it quite well.
As a preteen, my afternoons post-school were often filled with snacking on Keebler Magic Middle cookies and sipping Tropical Punch Capri Sun while catching a rerun of Gilligan’s Island. Once homework was out of the way—usually in about 30 minutes—I’d tune into MTV, air-guitaring to Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” and singing along with the Go-Go’s “We Got the Beat.” I would even find time to write a heartfelt letter to my crush, using my prized rainbow stationery and a blue Erasermate pen, which was way cooler than Wite-Out.
I’d meticulously organize my collection of stickers, longing for anything that featured unicorns, rainbows, or hearts—bonus points for glitter. If I had extra mini teddy bears or purple hearts, I’d save those for trading at the weekend’s sleepover.
Using the push-button wall phone in our Marimekko wallpapered kitchen, I’d dial my friends, stretching the coiled cord to gain some privacy. If Kim didn’t answer after a dozen rings, I’d try Juliette next. We’d plan to meet up in front of Jimmy’s house (a mutual crush among us all).
Once I was ready, I’d throw on my Guess jeans, hop on my red Schwinn adorned with a floral basket, and bike over to see my pals. While we waited for Jimmy—who rarely appeared—we’d take turns listening to Thriller on my dad’s Walkman, which I’d borrowed without permission. We all agreed to make mixtapes for Jessica’s party, a task that would certainly take hours with my Sony dual-cassette tape boombox.
A quick glance at my Swatch watch told me when it was time to head home for dinner. After devouring Sloppy Joes, I’d jot down the day’s adventures in my Little Twin Stars diary, read a few pages from the well-loved Flowers in the Attic, and finally drift off to sleep under my rainbow sheets—another classic ’80s day in the books.
Notice how my parents are hardly mentioned in these memories? We learned to find our own fun, just like all kids back then.
So, the next time my kids lament their boredom, I plan to look up from my phone, smile lightly, and say, “I’m sure you can find something to do.” Perhaps I’ll even leave out my vintage Rubik’s Cube for them to discover.
In a world filled with distractions, it’s refreshing to remember the simple joys of self-entertainment. If you’re curious about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on in vitro fertilisation or explore options like this home insemination kit and this baby maker kit.
Summary
Kids in the ’80s thrived on self-entertainment, relying on their creativity and resourcefulness to fill their time. Unlike today’s children, who often look to their parents for activities when they declare boredom, we learned to amuse ourselves through various pastimes, from crafting letters to listening to music. The nostalgia of those simpler days reminds us that boredom can lead to creativity and independence.
Keyphrase: kids in the ’80s boredom
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