I’m So Glad I Got To Be A ’90s Kid

Once upon a time, we were living in the ‘90s. It was a different kind of time when life seemed less complicated. Sure, there were struggles and obstacles for some, but nothing compared to what life looks like today. Back then, we weren’t navigating how to move through a global pandemic or trying to connect to the wifi in the room (some of us had dial-up internet instead). And kids and teenagers didn’t seem to have as many challenges and issues as today’s youth who are constantly trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be in a world that allows algorithms, filters, and followers to define what’s cool, beautiful, and trendy.

And when I think about how much things have changed, I’m glad I got to be a ‘90s kid.

I’m glad I got to grow up during a time when people were more present instead of being glued to their smartphones. More kids were playing outside. It was boring being stuck indoors all day with daytime television. Who wouldn’t want to get some fresh air and spend time outside with friends?

I’m glad I got to be a kid without having every celebration and accomplishment I ever achieved shared with everyone online. There was something unique and special about having moments snapped on disposable cameras and having to wait for the film to be developed to see how those moments were candidly captured.

I’m glad I got to figure out the ups and downs of what it meant to build meaningful friendships instead of having the word “friend” reduced to an online follower request.

I’m glad my friends and I got to decide the fate of our futures through paper and pencil games like MASH, which stood for Mansion, Apartment, Shack, and House. You got to go through each category, list the number of kids you wanted to have, who you wanted to marry, possible career options, and sometimes people listed car options too. Then once a swirl was drawn and stopped, the fun would begin!

I’m glad I had to wait to watch some of my favorite shows like All That, Kenan & Kel, Boy Meets World, and more in real time instead of streaming episodes back-to-back. I believe having to wait weekly for new episodes instilled a level of anticipation, excitement, and patience that’s rare these days.

I’m glad I got to experience shows like TRL on MTV to see live musical performances and watch some of my favorite boy bands promote their new CDs and upcoming tours. I never felt the need to choose between the Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC. I loved them both. Also, there was a time when MTV used to mainly show music videos instead of reality television shows.

I’m glad I was able to be content and comfortable in my own skin as a young woman who wore what I wanted without worrying about if I was “too tall” or “too thin” or “too chubby.” I also ate what I wanted, didn’t care what other people thought, and got to explore the world of tie-dye t-shirts, flannel shirts, crop tops, and choker necklaces before they became trendy.

I’m glad I grew up during a time when stores like Blockbuster were around. There was nothing like getting in the car with my family on a Friday night to rent a movie to watch together, along with purchasing overpriced popcorn and snacks for an unforgettable night. I know today’s youth are accustomed to streaming at home these days, but Blockbuster was a different kind of experience you didn’t want to miss.

I’m glad I grew up during a time when the lives of most celebrities were a mystery. Before Instagram and the world of fake news, the world often relied on magazines that could be picked up at newsstands and grocery stores to see what was happening with some of our favorite celebs.

I’m glad I was able to experience the world of Lisa Frank folders, binders, pencils, and sticker books. Only real ‘90s kids know how cool it was to have Lisa Frank swag when school was in session.

I know the ‘90s are far behind us, but I’m glad I got to be a kid back then. Things seemed simpler, calmer, and more at ease. Kids were able to just be kids. They weren’t overloaded and bombarded with the weight of the world. I hope today’s generation will know that life wasn’t always as hectic as it seems sometimes now. There was once a time when things weren’t so awful, so complicated, and tragic. And the ‘90s was one of those special and precious times.