Perhaps you've already noticed, but millennials tend to be a nostalgic bunch. We love revisiting movies from yesteryear, re-watching commercials for those batsh*t crazy toys, and lamenting over the chocolate frosted sugar bombs we once had for breakfast that are, shockingly, no longer available. And now that millennials are becoming parents, we are remembering childhood in the 90s with longing, wonder, and shock. Still, nostalgia aside, we can't help but admit that being a toddler now, is better than being a toddler in the 90s.
Sure, toddlers in the 90s probably had more freedom and definitely watched more television and ate things that parents, today, wouldn't even dream of feeding their children; but they probably weren't as safe and have far more entertainment options now and, well, the future is always brighter, right? I watch my toddler play, and then think back to the days I sat in front of the television watching Nickelodeon, and can't help but think, "Yeah, my kid has it made."
For the sake of disclosure, I technically spent the majority of my toddler years in the 80s, however, the plethora of 90s memories that I cling to allows me to bring this all full circle. I don't think I would have fully appreciated everything the final decade of the millennium had to offer, or the many parenting lessons of the 90s, had I still been in diapers while it passed, unable to truly remember what it was like. So, kick off your Doc Martens, crank up the Backstreet Boys, and put on your Lip Smackers, because we're about to dig in to how toddler life today is much better than it was in the 90s.
Photos Of Them Aren't Consistently Blurry
Grainy 90s photos do inspire nostalgic warm fuzzies, however, I prefer being able to actually see the expression on my kiddo's face, and not just shadows where I know his eyes are.
Food Comes in Travel-Friendly Pouches Now
I mean, we're probably inspiring an entire generation of future astronauts, and I'm okay with that.
Parents Carry Entertainment Machines In Our Pockets
Yes, technically it's a phone, but my son thinks it's his own personal finger playground.
Playgrounds Aren't Build On Concrete
Speaking of playgrounds, does anyone else remember monkey bars over asphalt? Whose idea was that?
Safety Regulations Have Come A Long Way
And not just when it comes to big toys. High chairs have straps, car seats face the back of the car, cribs are basically tiny bed fortresses. For a mom prone to anxiety, I don't know how 90s parents ever slept.
Their Parents Can Order Whatever They Need Online
I mean, my son loves field trips, but only for like 35 minutes at a time. After those 35 minutes are up, he gets bored and feisty, so I'm always thankful for the moments when I can skip errands and order things like laminator refills and pet food to be delivered to the door. Plus, giant boxes make great toys.
Cars Come With TVs
I mean, I don't own one of these cars, but I always get distracted when the car in front of me on the freeway is playing Pixar for their lucky kids.
Caffeine Is More Ubiquitous (For Parents, Obviously)
I'm a better parent when I'm caffeinated, and my son reaps the benefits (especially at 6:30am on a Saturday, because he's a glutton for *my* punishment).
They Can Actually See Long-Distance Family Members
We have family members on opposite sides of our state, and in far off lands that are, like, a billion time zones away. Thankfully, photo sharing is a cinch, and our toddler son is starting to get the hang of video chatting, so it's almost as good as if everyone was here.
They Will Never Know The Frustration That Comes With Broken VHS Tapes
Although, to be fair, my son does have to tolerate random YouTube ads before his favorite truck videos start, so I suppose it's a wash.
They Now Have 46 Seasons Of Sesame Street To Persue
...instead of only 30. Thank goodness.
We Have 20 More Years Of Parenting Wisdom And Lore To Draw On
How many times have you heard an older mom or dad say "Things were different when my kids were young?" If your answer is "fifty billion" then we are totes in the same boat.
