I have to admit – I’ve never used the hashtag #WBW. However, with everything closing and all this time at home, it has reminded me of how things used to be. It reminds me of how things were simpler when I was growing up.
I grew up in rural Iowa in the 80’s. We lived in the country with Amish as our neighbors. For a long time, we didn’t even have a phone. We didn’t have a lot of money, but I never knew it. My parents provided for us, and we were happy. We played outside. We played games. My mom cooked. We didn’t go to restaurants or sporting events. We didn’t go to the movies. In fact, we didn’t have cable so you watched the main channels when things were actually on. Saturday morning cartoons were always looked forward to. Bugs Bunny, the Flintstones, and the Jetsons were our favorites.
Over the past few days, I have been sharing stories with my kids about how I grew up. I’m sharing these memories not only to let them know I survived childhood without the internet, Netflix, a PlayStation, TikTok, Instagram, SnapChat, and countless other things, but for them to know that they are blessed to have these modern conveniences as we go through the “social distancing.” I want them to know they don’t have to rely on these things to get through each day. We have a house filled with books and games. We have a basketball goal and a park down the street. We have each other.
Other than my wish to be a Solid Gold dancer when I was young, I wanted to be a teacher. My sister and I would fill our backpacks with books and paper and ride our bikes to this amazing park farther than I would let me kids go at that age alone (different times for sure). We would play school and swing and explore. Those are some of my favorite memories growing up. Unfortunately, I never made it as Solid Gold dancer or teacher, but it sure was fun making up dances in my dining room and playing school. Keep your kids active. Be creative. Share some memories.
While I love being busy, going to my kids’ games, traveling and so much more, I will cherish this time I have with my kids. I will tell them stories, make yummy treats, play a little Just Dance, and make some memories with them so they can share some great stories with their kids one day.
Take care of each other.
xoxo, Jane Anne
P.S. Here are a couple of my favorite songs from the 80’s. What are some of your favorite songs from growing up?
