Why Growing Up in the 80s and 90s Made Us Happier and More Active.

Get your copy of my book here

As am bringing the winter tires up from storage so I can switch them for the summer ones. I asked my oldest sun to help me and as I glanced at him pushing the tire. I am instantly reminded of my humble beginnings in Alkebulan. Growing up before technology became a vice, we children played outside and made toys out of everyday items…like a tire.

“Push tire” is a simple yet energetic outdoor game where players use a stick to roll and guide a tire along a road or open space, keeping it moving forward by pushing and steering it with the stick. The goal is to keep the tire upright and in motion, often racing with others or setting distance challenges. The game requires coordination, focus, and stamina, as players must keep the tire from tipping over while managing its speed and direction.

Growing Up in the 80s and 90s: Active, Happy, and Unplugged

Being a child in the 80s and 90s was a unique experience, one marked by simplicity, creativity, and movement. Without smartphones, streaming platforms, or online games, we didn’t have endless options or instant entertainment. Instead, our childhoods were filled with active, imaginative play that kept us happier and healthier in ways that might seem foreign to today’s screen-focused youth.

Endless Energy, Limited Options

Back then, boredom was our best friend and our worst enemy. If you said, “I’m bored,” your parents didn’t hand you a tablet or a phone; instead, you’d be sent outside to “find something to do.” This often meant you had to create your own fun. There were always bikes to ride, trees to climb, and yards to explore. We’d play classic games like hide and seek, hopscotch, or tag, but it was the invention of our own games that really brought us together. All you needed was a stick, a ball, or sometimes even just a rock to create hours of entertainment.

With fewer options to choose from, we had to make the most of what we had. Games like “Push Tire”—where we’d race old tires up and down the street with sticks, keeping them rolling for as long as possible—might sound odd today, but they kept us engaged and physically active. The lack of ready-made entertainment fostered creativity and imagination in a way that’s hard to replicate in today’s world of endless video games and streaming services.

The Joy of Face-to-Face Play

Unlike today’s digital landscape, childhood in the 80s and 90s relied on real, in-person interactions. Friendships were forged in the backyard, at the playground, or riding bikes together. Social media didn’t connect us; knocking on your friend’s door did. Spending hours in the company of friends wasn’t just fun; it was also essential for learning social skills, understanding body language, and building the emotional bonds that defined our childhoods.

Having fewer toys and digital distractions meant we had to rely on each other for fun, which naturally taught us the value of teamwork and problem-solving. If there was a disagreement, you couldn’t “block” someone; you worked it out because your options were limited, and that friend was your playmate for the day. Learning how to communicate, compromise, and resolve conflict in person helped us build essential social skills early on, which likely made us happier and more confident.

Physical Play Was a Constant

Children in the 80s and 90s were almost always on the move. Physical activity was an everyday part of our lives, woven into how we played. We weren’t constantly reminded about the need for exercise—it was simply how we spent our time. From riding bikes around the neighborhood to playing neighborhood sports games, we stayed active without even thinking about it. Studies have shown that physical play can release endorphins, reduce stress, and improve mood—factors that contribute to a happier childhood.

Compare this with today’s generation, where sitting with a screen is often the go-to pastime. While digital games and shows can be fun, they don’t involve the physical and mental exertion that outdoor play provides. The “hands-on” games of the 80s and 90s, like tag, capture the flag, or just kicking around a ball, required coordination, stamina, and spatial awareness. Not only did this keep us physically fit, but it also kept our spirits high.

Appreciation for Simplicity

Growing up with limited options also taught us to appreciate the little things. We cherished small joys, like the arrival of Saturday morning cartoons or a new comic book. Anticipation played a big role in our happiness; waiting for something made it all the more exciting. Today, the sheer amount of content available means kids don’t have to wait—they can binge-watch a show or download a game instantly. In many ways, the excitement and satisfaction of “less” were among the best parts of growing up in the 80s and 90s.

Striking a Balance for Today’s Children

While technology has brought undeniable benefits, there’s a lot to be said for bringing back some of the unplugged joys of the past. Encouraging kids to put down the screens, go outside, and engage in active play can foster both mental and physical health, just as it did for generations past. Today’s endless options might seem like an advantage, but sometimes less really is more.

Reflecting on childhood in the 80s and 90s, it’s clear that those simple, active days were filled with a unique joy. The friendships, the energy, the creative games—they all shaped a generation that found happiness not in abundance, but in imagination and movement. While modern children may have more options than ever, there’s something special about the simpler times that can still teach us a lot about what it means to be truly happy.