The Internet has given us so many important things, like dogs in pantyhose and pictures of Shemar Moore. But sometimes it can give us a little life envy. Pinterest, in particular, can often make us feel like we can’t measure up. But maybe we should stop worrying about making the world’s best chocolate chip cookies or handcrafted teacher appreciation gifts and focus on some values from a time when life was simpler.
Maybe we should all be a little more like 1950s mom, and a little less like a Pinterest mom.
Now I’m certainly not saying the 1950s were perfect by any means. No time period in history is perfect. I don’t want to be guilty of idealizing a time period for the good things about it, but not acknowledge some of the really awful stuff. The 1950s weren’t all poodle skirts and 57 Chevys. The suppression of women (particularly in the work place), the segregation of people of color, the polio epidemic, and the Cold War were also hallmarks of the decade.
Let’s leave those disgraces on history where they belong . . . in the past. But maybe we can glean a few pointers from some simpler times.
1. Live Within Your Means
This goes for ourselves as much as for our kids. Who cares if you and your kids don’t have the latest iPhone? We have to live within our means and teach our kids to do the same so that they are not chasing things for happiness instead of finding joy in living life. And don’t we want our kids to value the money they earn? It’s okay to say to your kids that we can’t justify the expense of going to a movie because we are saving for a family vacation.
I’ll bet your grandparents never bought a house or car they couldn’t afford. They didn’t spend money they didn’t have and were happier for it. Your bank account will thank you, your mental health will be better, and your kids will more likely be financially responsible. Let’s all act our wage.
2. Be Present
You can be sure your grandma wasn’t scrolling through Instagram while “watching” her kids. And there probably wasn’t a TV around to binge watch “Leave it to Beaver.” I get it. It’s hard. I’m certainly guilty of nodding and saying, “Oh wow” on the 42nd and all subsequent times I’m asked to watch a kid do a somersault or hear about why we have bumps on our tongues. But when I do make myself slow down and engage, I find that not only do I enjoy my kids more, but I learn more about them. Listen to them. Hear them. Chances are, if you do this now, they’ll always want to talk to you.
3. Teach Your Kids To Be Respectful and To Work Hard
Two important skills can help your kids navigate through life: a strong work ethic and being respectful. Stop worrying about them being first chair in the band or the starting pitcher. I’ll bet your grandfather never called the school to complain that your dad wasn’t getting enough playing time. It used to be that parents focused on hard work and not being a sore loser if you were beat out. The kind of accolades, promotions, and recognition people want can certainly come if they know how to work hard and be respectful. Whether it’s in class, flipping burgers, or operating on humans, these applicable skills translate to all aspects of life. They will eventually be successful if they have at least those two qualities.
I’m a fan of these 1950s mom values. Are there any values from the past you’d like to see our current society embrace?
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