If you grew up in the ’90s or have ever wondered what parenting looked like back then, you might be surprised by the everyday things moms did that feel totally foreign now. The era was all about less technology and more hands-on moments, often filled with a mix of chaotic fun and low-key routines.
You’ll quickly see that many of these familiar ’90s mom habits would probably cause a huge buzz on TikTok today. Whether it’s the way moms managed busy households or kept their kids entertained without screens, there’s a lot that stands out compared to modern parenting trends.
Used a giant, clunky Sony Walkman to listen to music
You probably remember lugging around that bulky Sony Walkman, the personal cassette player everyone had in the ’90s. It wasn’t exactly small or light, but it let you listen to your favorite songs anywhere.
No streaming here—you had to rewind tapes and deal with headphones that tangled all the time. Still, it was a game-changer for music on the go.
Carrying a Walkman meant owning your music and controlling your soundtrack, way before playlists and smartphones existed. It was definitely a badge of cool back then.
Relied on dial-up internet with that unforgettable screeching sound
You know that weird screech your dial-up modem made? It was the soundtrack of your online life in the ’90s. Every time you wanted to connect, you had to wait and listen to those beeps and static noises.
Connecting meant tying up the phone line, so no one could call while you surfed the web. It was slow, but it was your backstage pass to chat rooms, instant messaging, and the early internet excitement.
Even when it took forever to load a picture, you stuck with it because this was your gateway to a whole new digital world.
Wrote notes on neon slap bracelets for school
You probably remember using neon slap bracelets as more than just a fun accessory. Back in the ’90s, these colorful bands doubled as secret note holders during class.
You’d write quick notes on the inside of the bracelet, then snap it onto your wrist to hide them in plain sight. It was the easiest way to pass messages without the teacher catching on.
The bright colors made them popular, but the real magic was how you could keep your little secrets right on your arm all day. No wonder they were a must-have school item.
Carried around gel pens and Lisa Frank folders for homework
You probably had a stash of gel pens that made writing your homework way more fun. Bright, glittery, and sometimes funky scented, these pens were the ultimate school accessory.
And Lisa Frank folders? They were everywhere. With their wild neon colors and adorable animals like unicorns and dolphins, carrying one made your homework feel a little less boring.
These folders weren’t just cute—they were a statement. If you had a Lisa Frank folder and gel pens, you instantly scored cool points with your classmates.
Stayed home after school without GPS or constant texting check-ins
You remember that feeling of walking in the door after school with no one checking your location every five minutes. No GPS, no texts asking where you were—just freedom. You stayed home because that was your option, not because your parents tracked every move.
You handled things on your own, figuring out when to call or hang out with friends. It built trust without constant hovering. Sometimes your backpack sat untouched, and no one worried because your routine was known. Today, that kind of independence is rare, but back then, it was just how it worked.
Watched Saturday morning cartoons on cable TV, no streaming involved
You didn’t have the endless options streaming gives you now. Saturday mornings meant tuning in at a set time and flipping through a handful of channels like Fox Kids, Nickelodeon, or Cartoon Network.
There was no pause button or binge-watching all day. You had to catch your favorite shows when they aired or miss out.
It was a ritual—cereal in hand, waiting for that cartoon block to start. No scrolling, just simple fun that made those mornings feel special in their own way.
