I grew up in the 80s, a time when MTV was all about music videos, and having a Trapper Keeper was a status symbol. If you remember locker jokes from classic shows or rocked green hair and 14-hole combat boots in high school, then you get my vibe. Fast forward to today, and I find myself baking everything from cookies to pies, channeling my inner Betty “Freaking” Crocker while maybe sacrificing some of that street cred.
Motherhood has undeniably reshaped my priorities and habits. However, it’s also shifted my perspective on things that used to be my favorite. Recently, I revisited some childhood films, and they sparked entirely different emotional reactions than before. Here are my top 7 transformations:
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Adventures in Babysitting
As a kid: This film was a thrilling mix of babysitting adventures, college crushes, and a road trip with the hilariously annoying Darryl.
As a mom: Now, it feels like a horror movie. Seriously, this is why I never leave the house without my kids. {Shudder.} -
Stand By Me
As a kid: River Phoenix was a total heartthrob, and the idea of a carefree adventure with friends was exhilarating.
As a mom: Yikes! Those kids dodged death like it was their job. Between the train and Kiefer Sutherland’s menacing character, this film is just a two-hour anxiety attack. I might need therapy after this one. -
Beaches
As a kid: I adored Bette Midler and dreamed of Broadway stardom while belting out the soundtrack.
As a mom: The heartbreaking ending with Barbara Hershey’s character? Nope. I couldn’t handle a single minute of this while pregnant. Not. A. Second. -
The Breakfast Club
As a kid: This movie felt groundbreaking, raw, and relatable. I memorized every line, even despite the awful TV edits.
As a mom: I now wonder why schools don’t offer shop classes anymore. I hope my gifted child doesn’t think about bringing a flare gun to school. And, wow, they really did smoke weed in the library? What were we thinking? -
The Karate Kid
As a kid: The idea of a wise older mentor teaching me karate was beyond cool.
As a mom: No way would I let my sons hang out with an old, single man. He gave Daniel a car? That’s a huge red flag! -
Back to the Future
As a kid: Doc Brown was the ultimate quirky friend, and time travel with Marty McFly was a dream.
As a mom: Seriously, what was happening with the older man and teenage boy dynamic in the 80s? And the thought of my child seeing my high school self? Please, no. -
The Goonies
As a kid: This movie had everything—adventure, friendship, romance, and a treasure hunt.
As a mom: Where were the parents when Chunk had to call the police? Shouldn’t there have been an Amber Alert? It’s a miracle these kids made it out alive!
Motherhood changes everything about you; it becomes your identity. You live it, breathe it, and can’t escape it. I often wonder if Gene Siskel’s movie reviews shifted after he became a parent.
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In summary, the movies that once brought me joy now evoke a mix of nostalgia and anxiety, reminding me of the profound changes that motherhood has brought into my life.
Keyphrase: childhood movies and motherhood
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