Growing Up in the 80s & 90s
Growing Up in the ’80s and ’90s – A Time Like No Other
I may be biased, but I truly believe there was no better time to grow up than the 1980s and 1990s. I’ll always be grateful that I experienced my childhood in the ‘80s!
This site is, in many ways, a journey through my memories—a place where I can document my experiences, thoughts, and stories for my kids. If, for any reason, I’m not around one day to share these stories with them, they will still have something to look back on. I often think about what my kids would know and remember about me if I were gone. Through this, I hope they can get a sense of who I was, the life I lived, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
When my dad passed away, we came across some old papers he had written for a college class. It was essentially a self-biography, and reading his words in his own handwriting fascinated me. I learned things about his life that I never knew. That experience made me appreciate the value of documenting life’s moments. I hope that one day, my kids enjoy reading about my life just as much as I enjoyed learning about my dad’s.
Early Childhood Memories
I spent my early years in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where we lived in what I thought was a massive ranch-style house out in the country. My brother and I would race down the long hallway to jump into our beds at night—at least, it felt long to my little legs back then. We had a basement playroom and a spacious yard that seemed perfect in every way.
Fast forward 30+ years—I was back in Michigan and decided to drive past our old house. To my surprise, the place that once seemed like a huge ranch home looked no bigger than a three-car garage. It’s funny how different things feel when you’re a kid. In my mind, that house will always be a mansion filled with great memories.
We spent most of our time outside as kids. Growing up in the country, we found ways to entertain ourselves that might sound crazy today. One of our favorite pastimes? Climbing our apple tree and throwing apples at passing semi-trucks. Back then, parents didn’t hover over their kids like they do now.
We took it a step further—running across a two-lane highway to collect our misfired apples from the ditch. Looking back, it’s wild to think about how dangerous that was, but at the time, it was just another fun day outside. Compare that to today, where my kids aren’t even allowed to cross the cul-de-sac without checking both ways twenty times!
For even more fun, my brother and I would climb into my dad’s car, pretending we were bank robbers. We’d sit there burning things with the built-in cigarette lighter—which, to be honest, kids today probably wouldn’t even recognize! Again, no parental supervision… but that was normal back then.
My parents raised us to be kind to everyone and treat everyone equally. This was my dad’s lesson that every person was equal and never treat anyone better than anyone else for any reason. I try to instill this in my boys everyday. Be kind, say thank you, be appreciative, and do something nice for someone every day. My Grandma Belter must have taught my dad this growing up-
Her saying was if you do not have anything nice to say then do not say anything at all. I never heard my grandma say anything bad or mean.
We went to church every weekend. At the time I did not like getting up and going but I appreciate it so much more now and understand why it was so important to my parents. We went every Christmas Eve to the 11pm service and it would end right after midnight on Christmas. A great memory I have. The minister would say it is 12:01 Merry Christmas.
Parenting Then vs. Now
Parents in the ‘80s and ‘90s weren’t watching their kids 24/7 like we do today. I say this as a parent now—our kids are never out of our sight. They aren’t allowed outside alone, even in our fenced-in backyard. We worry about every little thing, from scraped knees to stranger danger. Raising kids today is just… different. The world feels different.
Back then, we would get on our bikes and explore, riding for miles to who knows where. We’d hang out at construction sites, play until sunset, and eventually make our way home for dinner. My brother and I would visit a neighbor’s farm and play in the hay bales while his older brother shot arrows at us. That was normal. I’m honestly amazed that so many of us who grew up in the ‘80s survived!
TV Was an Event
Saturday mornings were sacred. I’d wake up early to catch the Justice League or my favorite cartoons. After school, I’d rush home to watch HE-MAN! But TV wasn’t like it is today—there was no pause button, no recording, no on-demand. You watched a show when it aired, or you missed it. That made TV an experience.
Nowadays, my kids watch YouTube and streams of other kids playing video games. The idea of sitting down at a specific time for a show doesn’t even make sense to them. I used to plan my week around what was coming on TV—checking the TV Guide was a real thrill!
Collectibles We Destroyed
I used to collect football cards and play entire football games with them, smashing one card into another to simulate tackles. Little did I know that by 2020, those same cards would be worth thousands of dollars! I probably destroyed a Joe Montana rookie card by ramming it into a Walter Payton rookie card for fun. Who knew?
And don’t even get me started on old toys. We sold our Star Wars figures, He-Man figures, and Barbies for 25 cents at garage sales. Today, those same toys sell for thousands. If we had only known!
One of the coolest toys we had was Shogun Warriors—huge robots with missile-firing arms. They were like early Transformers, but way cooler!
Life Was Simpler
I remember my parents telling me how lucky I was, compared to their childhoods. They would talk about walking to school in the snow, uphill, both ways. At the time, I thought it sounded miserable.
But now, I see the contrast. Back then, we stood outside waiting for the school bus—even in negative wind chills. Today, kids get school canceled for the possibility of bad weather. Parents wait in their warm cars with their kids at the bus stop. And now, we (me and my wife included) sit in car lines every day to pick up our kids from school.
Dinner time has changed too. Growing up, family dinner was a nightly event. When my dad pulled into the driveway, we knew it was time to sit at the table, say prayers, and eat as a family. We still try to do this in our home, but with sports and activities, it’s tough. I give my wife, Jenette, a ton of credit for cooking so much and keeping this tradition alive.
The Future is Uncertain
I don’t want to sound like my parents did back in the ‘80s, but I honestly can’t imagine growing up with the luxuries my kids have today. I remember thinking it was a huge deal when we got a remote for the TV or finally got call waiting. Now, my kids can literally ask Alexa or Siri anything and get an answer immediately.
I used to go to the library to do research, take notes, and read encyclopedias. Today, kids just Google everything. Sure, technology is convenient, but it also has its downsides.
A Childhood to Remember
Despite all the changes, I wouldn’t trade my 1980s childhood for anything. We played outside all day, caught tadpoles in the creek, had backyard camping adventures, and played every sport imaginable.
I often hear people say they want their kids to have better childhoods than they did. But honestly? I don’t think that’s possible.
Will my kids look back on their childhoods as fondly as I do? Will they think the same thing when they have kids of their own? It’s hard to say.
All I know is that the ‘80s and ‘90s were a special time, and I’m grateful I got to experience them.
