Reflecting on my childhood beach experiences in the ’80s, I recall endless summer days spent with my mother and siblings. Those were uncomplicated times. Today, as I observe fellow mothers striving to recreate those cherished beach memories for their children, it’s evident that many aspects have evolved since my days of slathering on baby oil and basking on a towel. Here are some notable changes:
1. The Food
Back in the ’80s, my mother would pack a bucket of fried chicken, a bag of Doritos, and a thermos of Kool-Aid for our beach outings. If we were fortunate, there might even be cookies—like Pecan Sandies or Double Stuf Oreos. Once the food was consumed, it was gone, and that was that.
In contrast, today’s beach fare often includes an assortment of organic fruits and vegetables, gluten-free energy bars, and BPA-free squeezable snacks for the kids. We also ensure to bring plenty of filtered water and juice, all devoid of artificial colors or dyes. Fried chicken seems like a distant memory.
2. The Sunscreen
During my childhood, sunscreen was a rarity. I primarily relied on baby oil, a tanning magnifier, and Sun-In for my hair. Aluminum foil might have played a role too.
Nowadays, sun protection is a serious affair. We equip ourselves with wide-brimmed hats, SPF 554 sunscreen (which we diligently reapply every hour), and swim shirts designed for built-in sun protection.
3. The Equipment
In the ’80s, each child carried a towel while my mother managed the food and a blanket. That was pretty much it.
Today, the beaches are cluttered with umbrellas, tents, coolers, an expansive collection of plastic toys, and even lounge chairs for toddlers. Just the other day, I spotted what seemed to be an inflatable sofa on the sand.
4. The Toys
We didn’t have a plethora of beach toys in my youth. I think we owned a beach ball, but it quickly blew away. Instead, we used our imaginations to play with sand, shells, and sticks, crafting elaborate sandcastles until our knees were raw and our backs were sunburned.
Now, it’s common for families to bring sand molds, shovels, and dump trucks to the beach. Despite hauling two bags of toys for my kids, they still gravitate toward the shells and sticks.
5. The Music
In the ’80s, we relied on boom boxes to blast our favorite mixtapes—think Prince, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. Replaying a song required hitting the rewind button.
Today, everyone has their own iPods or iPhones, complete with earbuds.
This summer, I intend to give my kids a taste of the ’80s beach experience. So if you spot a woman balancing a drumstick and carrying a boom box down to the shore, that’s likely me. It might embarrass my children, but I know we’ll all have fun—even if they won’t admit it.
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In summary, while beach days have transformed significantly from the simplicity of the ’80s, the essence of joy and family bonding remains timeless. Embracing both the nostalgic and contemporary aspects of beach outings can create lasting memories for our children.
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