10 Ways to Bring 80’s and 90’s Pop Culture into Your Neurodivergent Parenting Style
As a late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic mom, I’ve found that incorporating the vibrant and nostalgic elements of 80s and 90s pop culture into my parenting style adds a unique and engaging dimension to our family life. Not only does it create a sense of joy and connection, but it also provides practical ways to support my neurodivergent kids. Here are 10 ways you can bring the best of 80s and 90s pop culture into your neurodivergent parenting style.
1. Retro Game Nights
Why It Works: Classic video games from the 80s and 90s are not only fun but also great for improving hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and patience. Games like Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, and Sonic the Hedgehog offer simple yet engaging gameplay that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
How to Implement:
- Set up a weekly retro game night where you play classic video games together.
- Use it as an opportunity to teach turn-taking and cooperative play.
- Celebrate each small victory and progress to build confidence and patience.
2. Movie Marathons
Why It Works: Movies from the 80s and 90s like The Goonies, E.T., and The Lion King are packed with relatable characters and valuable life lessons. Watching these movies together can create bonding experiences and provide conversation starters about emotions, friendships, and challenges.
How to Implement:
- Plan themed movie nights with snacks and cozy blankets.
- Discuss the characters and their actions, asking your kids how they might feel or react in similar situations.
- Use the movies to introduce new concepts and ideas in a familiar and engaging way.
3. Music Therapy with 80s/90s Hits
Why It Works: Music from the 80s and 90s, whether it’s synth-pop, rock, or R&B, can be incredibly therapeutic. It can help regulate emotions, provide a sensory break, and create a positive atmosphere.
How to Implement:
- Create a playlist of your favorite 80s and 90s songs and play it during daily routines or as a way to unwind.
- Have dance parties to burn off excess energy and lift moods.
- Use calming songs for relaxation times, helping to create a soothing environment.
4. Crafting and DIY Projects
Why It Works: Crafts inspired by 80s and 90s trends, like tie-dye shirts, friendship bracelets, and Lisa Frank-style art, can be both fun and therapeutic. They provide a sensory-rich activity that can help improve fine motor skills and encourage creativity.
How to Implement:
- Set up a craft station with supplies for making tie-dye shirts, friendship bracelets, or other retro crafts.
- Use the time to bond and chat about your favorite memories or stories from your own childhood.
- Display the finished projects around the house to celebrate your kids’ creativity and accomplishments.
5. Retro-Themed Rewards and Incentives
Why It Works: Using retro-themed rewards, like stickers, toys, or experiences, can motivate and encourage positive behavior. It also adds a fun and nostalgic twist to your reward system.
How to Implement:
- Create a reward chart with 80s/90s stickers or tokens that your kids can earn for completing tasks or exhibiting positive behaviors.
- Offer retro-themed prizes, like a Tamagotchi, slap bracelets, or a trip to an arcade, as incentives.
- Celebrate milestones with a retro-themed party or special activity.
6. Incorporating Retro Shows into Learning
Why It Works: Educational shows from the 80s and 90s, like Bill Nye the Science Guy, Reading Rainbow, and Sesame Street, are entertaining and informative. They can make learning fun and accessible for neurodivergent kids.
How to Implement:
- Watch educational shows together and discuss the topics covered.
- Use the shows as a springboard for further exploration and hands-on activities.
- Reinforce lessons learned with related books, experiments, or crafts.
7. Embracing 80s/90s Fashion
Why It Works: Fashion from the 80s and 90s is colorful, comfortable, and expressive. Allowing your kids to explore retro fashion can boost their confidence and encourage self-expression.
How to Implement:
- Have fun with dress-up days where everyone wears their favorite 80s or 90s outfits.
- Create a dress-up box with retro clothes and accessories for imaginative play.
- Encourage your kids to express themselves through their clothing choices, celebrating their unique style.
8. Themed Storytimes and Bedtime Stories
Why It Works: Reading books from the 80s and 90s or themed around that era can create a comforting bedtime routine. Stories like Where the Wild Things Are and The BFG offer timeless lessons and engaging narratives.
How to Implement:
- Choose a different retro book each week for bedtime stories.
- Use character voices and dramatizations to make the stories come alive.
- Discuss the themes and lessons of the stories, relating them to your kids’ own experiences.
9. Using Retro Cartoons for Social Skills
Why It Works: Cartoons from the 80s and 90s, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, DuckTales, and Animaniacs, often highlight teamwork, problem-solving, and social interactions. Watching these together can help teach important social skills in a fun context.
How to Implement:
- Watch retro cartoons and pause to discuss characters’ interactions and decisions.
- Use the episodes to role-play social scenarios and practice responses.
- Encourage your kids to draw or write about their favorite characters and what they learned from them.
10. Hosting Retro-Themed Playdates
Why It Works: Retro-themed playdates can create a nostalgic and engaging environment for your kids and their friends. Activities based on 80s and 90s trends can make socializing more enjoyable and less intimidating.
How to Implement:
- Plan playdates with retro themes, such as 80s arcade games, 90s fashion shows, or classic board games.
- Provide sensory-friendly activities and spaces to accommodate different needs.
- Use these playdates as opportunities for your kids to practice social skills in a structured, fun setting.
Conclusion
Incorporating 80s and 90s pop culture into your neurodivergent parenting style can bring joy, nostalgia, and practical benefits to your family life. From retro game nights and movie marathons to themed crafts and fashion, these activities provide engaging ways to support your kids’ development and create lasting memories. Embrace the vibrant and playful spirit of these decades to foster a supportive, fun, and understanding environment for your neurodivergent children. Remember, you are unfiltered and unstoppable.
Kori
Latest posts by Kori (see all)
- Navigating the Self-Doubt, Shame, and Gaslighting Roller Coaster with ADHD - September 8, 2024
