Nowadays, there’s a clear problem with children who are being overly dependent on devices and having very short attention spans. Furthermore, it’s increasingly difficult for children to engage in other, more enriching activities. That’s why this mother in Texas “encourages” her children to spend more time playing outdoors in their backyard, reminiscent of childhood in the ’90s. The scene inspired some parents to place more importance on physical play, although many children may not be so happy about it.
The video by @magsdee08 became quite popular among parents on TikTok. In the video, this Texas mother tells her children, “We’re pretending it’s the 90s.” The main idea is for her children to spend more time outside playing, breathing fresh air, and running around. However, one of her children does not quite agree with the idea, as he clearly asked to go inside. To which the mother basically says that, unless it’s to sleep or an emergency, the children must stay outside, as they did in the ’90s. Obviously, this is just a joke on the mother’s part, though she does want to encourage her children not to be cooped up inside all the time, as when she was a child.
Among the many comments, some users said their parents cared little about them when they were out in the ’90s. Several users “criticized” this mother with jokes for checking on her children or giving them food and water. The OP herself said jokingly in her description that, compared to many parents in the ’90s, she had already gone too far by giving them water. This is clearly not to speak ill of the parents of that time, but safety conditions in that eras were very different. That’s why parents back then didn’t have much to fear and gave their children a lot of freedom.
“Take the water bottles away. That’s what the hose is for,” said Katie.
“You….. gave them food? We sucked honeysuckle plants and ate from random mulberry trees lol,” commented miss Jo.
“‘Where’s your brother?’ ‘I don’t know!’ ‘K, that’s good, that’s like how it is in the 90’s’ 😂😂” added Jamie.
Currently, many of the problems that keep children so absorbed in screens and prevent them from going outside have a lot to do with the fact that many parents work long hours. In addition, safety is not the best, and being away from home can be more dangerous than in previous years. That is why we applaud this mother for encouraging her children to engage in activities that support their mental and motor development.
