Call Your Mom Friends

Episode 12: Helicopters Incoming: How the 90s Changed Parenting Forever


Listen Later

Remember when parenting in the 90s meant Slap bracelets, Beanie Babies, and VHS rentals from Blockbuster?

In this episode of Call Your Mom Friends, Amey (IBCLC), Lauren (labor nurse), and Charity (bodyworker) rewind the cassette tape of childhood and motherhood to explore what it was really like to grow up—and parent—during the most transitional decade yet.

From the carefree “be home when the streetlights come on” freedom of the 80s to the helicopter-parent-in-training vibes of the 90s, the moms dig into how parenting styles shifted. Think car seat rules tightening up, playdates replacing backyard chaos, and moms suddenly managing calendars filled with soccer practice, Girl Scouts, and piano lessons.

But it’s not just parenting trends—this episode is full of 90s nostalgia. Hear about the heartbreak of losing Britney Spears tickets because of one wrong phone hang-up, the Full House parent handbook, and "be kind, please rewind" (iykyk). Plus, a look back at purity rings, neon-colored snacks, AOL chat rooms, Pokemon card trading, Furby nightmares, and the glory days of Spice Girls girl power.

If you’re a millennial mom reflecting on your own childhood, a parent curious about how the 90s shaped modern motherhood, or just someone who loves a good parenting nostalgia trip, this episode is your backstage pass. So grab your Game Boy, pop open a Capri Sun (straw struggles included), and join your mom friends for a laugh-filled journey through 90s parenting, childhood memories, and the chaos that made us who we are today.

Also, hear your mom friends highs and lows this week that include stories of: Disneyland marathons gone wrong (yes, there’s underwear involved) and sweet 16 parties for Chihuahuas!

✨ In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • How the 90s marked a significant shift in parenting styles from free-range to more structured activities.
  • Cultural events and media heavily influenced parenting practices during the 90s.
  • Safety concerns began to shape parenting decisions, especially regarding children's activities and technology use.
  • The introduction of technology changed how children interacted and played, moving from outdoor play to screen time.
  • Nostalgic toys from the 90s, like Beanie Babies and Furbies, reflect the era's marketing strategies and childhood experiences.
  • Relationships in the 90s were often formed through social interactions rather than online dating.

 

✨ Fridays are for Call Waiting — our weekly mom-friend call-in segment where real moms share raw, hilarious, and relatable stories you won’t hear in the school pickup line.

🎧 Got a story? Leave us a voicemail. We might just play it on the show. Leave us a voicemail: Click Here!

Find us on Instagram: @call.your.mom.friends.podcast

 

And connect with us individually:

Charity Spears | Cocoon to Bloom → @cocoon_to_bloom | cocoontobloom.com

Lauren Murdock | Faith > Fear Birth™ → @labor.lauren | laborlauren.com

Amey Fields | AZ Breastfed Babies → @az.breastfedbabies | azbreastfedbabies.com

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Call Your Mom FriendsBy Amey Fields, Charity Spears, Lauren Murdock