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“It’s Not a Phase, Mom!” – 10 Teen Trends We Secretly Miss

June 19, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Its Not a Phase Mom 10 Teen Trends We Secretly Miss
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We rolled our eyes at the time, swore we’d never dress that way again, and insisted we were totally over it—but deep down, there’s a soft spot in our hearts for those unforgettable teenage trends. Whether it was the fashion, the music, or the slang, those moments helped shape who we were and how we connected with friends. Now, watching our own kids go through their “phases,” we can’t help but feel a little nostalgic. Because let’s be honest—some of those cringeworthy trends were actually pretty fun. So here’s a look back at ten teen trends we secretly miss, even if we’ll never admit it out loud at the dinner table.

1. Dressing in Head-to-Toe Black

Ah, the moody teenager uniform. Black jeans, black eyeliner, black nail polish—and maybe a chain wallet for extra drama. It was less about fashion and more about identity. Dressing in all black made us feel deep, mysterious, and like no one else could possibly understand our complex souls. Secretly, it was comforting to feel so sure of who we were, even if it was just for that one semester.

2. Creating the Ultimate Mixtape

Before Spotify playlists, there was the painstakingly curated mixtape. Burning CDs or recording cassettes took serious effort and meant something special. We’d agonize over the song order, write out the tracklist in glitter gel pen, and gift it like a treasure. Music was how we expressed feelings we didn’t know how to say. And honestly, getting a mixtape from a crush? Peak romance.

3. Obsessing Over That One Band

Whether it was *NSYNC, My Chemical Romance, or Nirvana, we all had that band we would have defended with our lives. Posters on every wall, lyrics scribbled in notebooks, and enough band merch to fill a drawer. That deep fandom gave us a sense of belonging. And while we moved on from the haircuts, the songs still bring back big feelings.

4. Writing Cryptic Away Messages

AIM away messages were our early version of subtweeting. “I’m fine. Don’t ask.” or “You’ll miss me when I’m gone” let everyone know we were feeling dramatic—but also kind of poetic. We didn’t know it at the time, but we were practicing self-expression in real time. And checking someone’s away message? That was basically stalking, 2004-style.

5. Plastering Lockers with Magazine Cutouts

Back when Tiger Beat and Seventeen reigned supreme, our lockers were shrines to teen idols. Justin Timberlake, Buffy, and Avril Lavigne stared back at us in pixelated glory. Every sticker and cutout told the world who we were that week. It was DIY self-branding before Instagram existed. And every time the bell rang, we got a boost from our personalized pop culture wall.

6. Matching With Your BFF (On Purpose)

Remember those “best friend” necklaces or color-coordinated outfits with your bestie? It might sound cheesy now, but at the time, it was the ultimate show of loyalty. Whether you both rocked flared jeans and butterfly clips or had matching screen names, it felt like the whole world knew you were a duo. Friendship looked a little extra—and we kind of loved it that way.

7. Spending Hours on Your “Top 8”

MySpace drama was no joke. Choosing who made it into your Top 8 was a political move that could make or break a friendship. We took our digital profiles very seriously, with custom layouts and embedded songs to show off our vibes. It sounds silly now, but curating that space taught us early lessons in social signaling and personal identity. And secretly, we still kind of wish Facebook let us rank our friends.

8. Writing in Code in Your Diary

Journaling was never just journaling. We’d write entire pages in abbreviations, song lyrics, and inside jokes no one else could possibly understand. It was therapy with glitter pens. We poured our hearts into those diaries, confident they held the secrets of our teenage souls. Losing one felt like the end of the world—because it kind of was.

9. Layering Every Accessory at Once

More was more. Bracelets up to our elbows, chokers, belts we didn’t need, and sparkly barrettes we wore all at once. It was chaotic, expressive, and gloriously over-the-top. We weren’t trying to look cool—we were trying to look like ourselves. And looking back, that confidence in going all-in was kind of admirable.

10. Living for Friday Night at the Mall

Before cell phones tracked our every move, the mall was our weekend haven. We didn’t even need to buy anything—we just wandered, people-watched, and grabbed pretzels with our crew. It was our version of freedom, a mini social universe where we made memories. And even now, passing by a Claire’s or an old photo booth brings back that buzz.

The Nostalgia We Didn’t Know We Needed

Trends may come and go, but the emotions behind them stick with us. These teen trends we secretly miss weren’t just quirky phases—they were milestones in figuring out who we were. They helped us explore identity, friendship, and self-expression in messy, creative, and heartfelt ways. And while we might roll our eyes at what today’s teens are into, deep down we remember what it felt like to be in their shoes.

Which teen trend from your past do you secretly miss the most? Share your nostalgic favorites in the comments!

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Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: 2000s culture, childhood memories, growing up, Nostalgia, parenting humor, parenting teens, pop culture, teen fashion, teen trends, tween years

The Ridiculous Things Kids Believe About Adults—Until They Learn the Truth

June 2, 2025 | Leave a Comment

The Ridiculous Things Kids Believe About Adults Until They Learn the Truth

Kids see the world through a lens of imagination, simplicity, and curiosity—which makes their ideas about adults wildly entertaining (and sometimes a little heartbreaking). While adults are juggling bills, relationships, and the pressure of keeping everything together, children are often busy believing that grownups know everything, never make mistakes, and live a life free of rules. The things kids believe about adults are part myth, part wishful thinking, and often completely disconnected from reality. But when those illusions start to crack, the truth can be both funny and eye-opening. Let’s take a closer look at the hilariously inaccurate beliefs kids have about adults—and what happens when they finally realize the truth.

1. Adults Know Everything

One of the most common things kids believe about adults is that they have all the answers. Why the sky is blue? How taxes work? Where socks disappear to in the laundry? Adults must know. Many kids assume that growing up means gaining magical access to the answers of the universe. The reality hits hard when they realize adults are Googling half of life’s questions just like everyone else.

2. Adults Love Doing Chores

Children often think grownups enjoy doing dishes, vacuuming, or folding laundry simply because they do it all the time. Since adults don’t whine about it like kids do, it must be fun, right? This belief usually fades the first time a child is asked to scrub a toilet. The truth is, most adults tolerate chores out of necessity, not joy. But hey, if your kid wants to believe vacuuming is a privilege, maybe don’t correct them just yet.

3. Adults Can Eat Candy Whenever They Want

This one feels like the ultimate freedom to most children. Adults can eat cookies for breakfast and never get in trouble—dream life achieved! It’s one of the more tempting things kids believe about adults, until they realize eating whatever you want also comes with consequences like stomach aches, cavities, and grocery bills. Eventually, they figure out that freedom doesn’t mean irresponsibility. And that yes, eating five donuts in one sitting is usually a bad idea.

4. Adults Don’t Get in Trouble

Children often assume that once you grow up, you’re above rules, punishment, or being told “no.” But adulthood is full of accountability—from your boss, from laws, from your own kids. One of the biggest shocks comes when kids witness a parent getting pulled over or corrected at work. It’s a reminder that no one is immune to consequences, no matter how tall or confident they seem. The truth is, grownups get in trouble all the time—they just usually call it “meetings.”

5. Adults Have Loads of Money

Because adults carry credit cards and buy stuff without asking permission, kids often assume there’s an endless supply of cash. It’s one of the more frustrating things kids believe about adults—especially when they can’t understand why you won’t just buy them that \$300 LEGO set. Kids don’t realize those swipes at the register come with budgets, bills, and often, financial stress. That fantasy fades fast when they start earning their own money and see how far it doesn’t go.

6. Adults Never Cry

There’s a quiet belief among children that adults are emotionally bulletproof. They don’t cry, don’t get scared, and certainly don’t have bad days. Many parents try to shield their kids from seeing emotional struggles, which can unintentionally feed this myth. But eventually, life delivers moments—loss, stress, heartbreak—where kids see their parents’ vulnerability. It’s a tough but necessary realization that even the strongest people have soft spots.

7. Adults Always Have a Plan

From a child’s perspective, adults seem to be steering the ship with complete certainty. Every decision, every schedule, every meal appears intentional and thought out. What they don’t see is how often we’re winging it, second-guessing ourselves, or just doing the best we can with what we’ve got. One of the more humbling truths kids learn is that adulthood is often improvised. Confidence, it turns out, is sometimes just really good acting.

8. Adults Don’t Get Bored

How could someone with a car, a phone, and control over the TV possibly feel bored? Kids assume adults always have something to do and the power to go anywhere they want. What they don’t understand is that boredom can still creep in, even in the middle of a busy day or a full to-do list. And sometimes, what kids call “freedom” feels more like obligation. Once they reach adulthood, they’ll miss the kind of boredom that came with long summer afternoons and no responsibilities.

9. Adults Have Life All Figured Out

One of the most persistent things kids believe about adults is that they have life totally together. Grownups are supposed to be sure of who they are, what they want, and where they’re headed. But the truth is, even adults are still figuring things out—changing careers, learning from mistakes, and searching for meaning. The moment a child realizes their parent doesn’t have every answer can be jarring, but also empowering. It shows them that life is a journey, not a destination.

Let Them Believe—Until They’re Ready Not To

The wild, wonderful things kids believe about adults are often rooted in admiration and trust. And while some myths are destined to be shattered, others can be gently preserved for a little while longer. When kids finally see the truth, it’s not always disappointing. Sometimes, it’s comforting to know that grownups are still human, still growing, and still learning too.

What’s the funniest or sweetest thing your child ever believed about adults? Share your stories in the comments—we’d love to hear them!

Read More:

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Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: child development, childhood myths, emotional growth, family life, growing up, parenting humor, parenting moments, things kids believe about adults

12 Things That Disappear From Your Life After 30

June 12, 2024 | Leave a Comment

12 Things That Disappear From Your Life After 30

Turning 30 is a milestone that often brings significant changes in lifestyle, priorities, and even the people around us. While some things improve, others seem to quietly slip away. Let’s explore the 12 things that tend to disappear from your life after hitting the big 3-0.

1. Endless Energy

Endless Energy

Remember those days when you could stay out all night and still function the next day? After 30, your energy levels might not be what they used to be. Late nights out are often replaced by cozy evenings at home. You start prioritizing sleep and realize how crucial it is for your well-being. Embracing a balanced routine becomes the new norm.

2. Carefree Attitude

Carefree Attitude

The carefree days of your 20s start to fade as responsibilities increase. Whether it’s a demanding job, family commitments, or financial obligations, the carefree attitude takes a backseat. You become more conscious of your decisions and their long-term impact. Planning and organization become your new best friends. It’s not all bad; it just means you’re growing up!

3. Reckless Spending

Reckless Spending

Impulse buys, and frivolous spending habits tend to diminish after 30. You start focusing on saving for the future, investments, and significant purchases like a house or car. Budgeting becomes a key skill, and you find satisfaction in financial stability. Priorities shift from quantity to quality. It’s all about making smarter choices with your money.

4. Drama-Filled Relationships

Drama-Filled Relationships

By the time you hit 30, you’ve likely had your share of dramatic relationships. You become more selective about who you spend your time with. Toxic friendships and romantic entanglements are left behind. Quality over quantity becomes your mantra. You seek meaningful connections and steer clear of unnecessary drama.

5. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

FOMO, which often ruled your social calendar in your 20s, starts to lose its grip. You become more comfortable with missing events that don’t align with your interests or schedule. Prioritizing personal time and self-care takes precedence. You realize that quality time with loved ones trumps fleeting social gatherings. It’s liberating to choose what truly matters.

6. Inconsistent Self-Care

Inconsistent Self-Care

In your 20s, self-care might have been sporadic or even neglected. After 30, you start to prioritize your physical and mental health consistently. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental well-being become integral parts of your routine. You understand the importance of taking care of yourself. Self-care becomes non-negotiable.

7. Insecurity About Opinions

Insecurity About Opinions

In your younger years, you might have worried a lot about what others think. After 30, you gain confidence in your own opinions and decisions. External validation becomes less critical. You trust yourself more and care less about fitting into others’ expectations. It’s all about embracing your true self.

8. Tolerance for Clutter

Tolerance for Clutter

Clutter, both physical and emotional, starts to disappear from your life. You appreciate a tidy, organized space and mind. Decluttering becomes a regular practice, leading to a more peaceful environment. Letting go of unnecessary items and toxic relationships feels liberating. Minimalism and simplicity become appealing concepts.

9. Party Every Weekend

Party Every Weekend

The thrill of partying every weekend diminishes as you age. You begin to cherish quiet weekends, meaningful conversations, and quality time with loved ones. Parties are no longer the default plan, and you find joy in more relaxed activities. The occasional night out is still fun, but balance is key. It’s all about enjoying life’s quieter moments.

10. Constant Job-Hopping

Constant Job-Hopping

In your 20s, exploring different jobs might have been exciting. After 30, stability and growth in your career become more important. You start to value job security, benefits, and long-term prospects. Career moves are more strategic, focusing on advancement and fulfillment. It’s about building a solid foundation for your professional life.

11. Fear of Settling Down

Fear of Settling Down

The fear of settling down often fades as you approach your 30s. You start to see the value in stability and long-term relationships. Whether it’s committing to a partner, buying a home, or starting a family, these decisions become more appealing. You realize that settling down doesn’t mean giving up on excitement. It’s about finding joy in stability.

12. Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic expectations about life and success often get a reality check after 30. You become more patient and understanding of the journey. Achievements are seen as a process rather than a race. You start to appreciate the small wins and learn to be kinder to yourself. Realistic goals and perseverance take center stage.

Embrace the Change

Embrace the Change

Turning 30 brings a wave of change, and while some things disappear, they make room for more meaningful aspects of life. Embrace the evolution and the newfound wisdom that comes with it. Life after 30 is about finding balance, stability, and true contentment. Enjoy the journey and the growth it brings!

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Vanessa Bermudez
Vanessa Bermudez
Vanessa Bermudez is a content writer with over eight years of experience crafting compelling content across a diverse range of niches. Throughout her career, she has tackled an array of subjects, from technology and finance to entertainment and lifestyle. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids. She’s also a proud fur mom to four gentle giant dogs.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Adulting, growing up, Life After 30, Lifestyle Evolution, Milestone Changes

Helping Your College Student Adjust to Life Away from Home

March 11, 2014 | Leave a Comment

College StudentsJust because your children don’t wear diapers anymore doesn’t mean you won’t stop thinking of them as “your babies.” This is why, for many parents, the experience of having their teenage kids move out of the house and into the dorms can be a source of anxiety. After all, you won’t be there to make sure they have access to nutritious foods, get plenty of rest and stay away from those “bad influences” every parent fears.

For easy transition, we’ve put together a shortlist of ways parents can use to assist the students adjust to college life away from the nest.

Send a Little Love & Care

Being a short drive away from your student’s campus is a luxury not all parents have. Luckily, sending a little slice of home is an easy way to remind your child that you’re thinking of them. Homemade baked-goods, clothes, knick-knacks or homely keepsakes are all great options to include in your student’s care package. If you’re not a master baker or maybe bogged down with work, have no fear! Companies that sell dorm stuff, like OCM, can send your student care package—and you can even include a handwritten note.

Set a Skype Date

Keeping an open line of communication is pivotal with college students. Text messages are good for short messages, but an even better option would be video chatting through Skype. This way, you not only get the chance to have in-depth conversations better than texts, emails, or regular phone calls.

Fund School Activities

Campus-based school activities is a great way for students to blow off steam, get their mind off of classes for a few hours, and meet new friends. Encouraging your student to find an activity and financially support their choice is an ideal way to make sure they are taking steps to settling into their new life. This will provide them with a sense of closeness and community right off the bat, something that is especially valuable when attending a school that has thousands upon thousands of students.

Plan Visits

Physically checking up on your children and spending time with them is an even better way to help them adapt to their life as a college student. While everyone likes surprises, surprise visits won’t always be met with the enthusiasm you may have been expecting. It’s in everyone’s best interest to make sure the visits are planned at least a week in advance. This way, your budding adults will have time to prioritize their school work and weekend activities (maybe even clean up their dorm room if you’re lucky).

Students may feel homesick, especially if it is the first time they have been away from home. Giving the students their freedom and letting them feel that they are trusted in making the right decisions is the best approach to take.

Photo Credit: Stuart Miles

How did you help your college aged kids adjust to life away from home?

Brian
Brian

Brian is the founder of Kids Ain’t Cheap and is now sharing his journey through parenthood.

 
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Filed Under: Growing Up Tagged With: college students, growing up, Kids

Seven Things You Should Prepare For With Your Pre-Teen

January 29, 2014 | Leave a Comment

PreteenAs a parent of a pre-teen, you should be congratulated for making it this far. Many achievements have already been attained on your child’s journey through life. Now your pre-teen is about to embark on a new leg of the trip to adulthood. Though the teenage years are often feared for the challenges this time brings, these coming years will supply many milestones and should be embraced. Help ease the transition by preparing with your pre-teen now for the changes that are to come tomorrow.

Hormones

An unavoidable side effect of becoming a teenager is the surge of hormone production. Your pre-teen’s body already is undergoing physical transformations associated with puberty. Learn more about what to expect and you will be better equipped to help your child understand what he or she will experience.

Attitude

Associated with physical changes are shifts in attitudes. Chances are your child will develop a defiant streak, will sulk and shout, and will exhibit unpleasant behaviors as part of the coming developmental phase. Try to understand the possible attitudes you will encounter and attempt patience to weather the storm.

Independence

Your child likely has already begun expressing a desire for increased independence. Prepare him or her for the responsibilities of independence, slowly granting more privileges as he or she demonstrates the ability to handle them appropriately. Show your pre-teen how trust must be gained in exchange for little freedoms.

Driving

In a few years, your child will begin driving, begging to borrow your car for a date. To prepare for when your son or daughter gets a driver’s license in the near future, set a good driving example now and be sure he or she completes driver’s education courses. Also, start saving for another car. Do your research and find an affordable auto insurance policy for your new young driver.

College

If college might be an option in your child’s future, then encourage him or her to enroll in appropriate preparatory courses and to partake in extracurricular groups and activities. You should increase your deposits into a college fund, and begin searching for scholarship opportunities.

Employment

As a teen, your child can enter the workforce. As a pre-teen, prepare your child for entry in the workforce. Assign chores in exchange for pay. Instill the importance of work ethic and the values of commitment and doing a good job.

Anxiety

Anticipate that anxieties will surface, both in your pre-teen as he or she becomes a teen and in you as you watch your child grow up. Your child faces an exciting time period that represents a time of growth but also symbolizes an end to the comforts of childhood. He or she likely worries about the unknown and fears possible failures and pitfalls. You might worry about the coming empty nest, in addition to sympathizing with your child’s anxieties. Awareness of both sides’ anxieties allow you to be better prepared to conquer them.

Enjoy each moment with your child, including the awkward and unpleasant times as well as the remarkable ones. Plan ahead, prepare now, increase your savings, and be aware of possible changes. Perhaps most importantly, embrace your pre-teen as often as you can, as together you welcome the teen years.

Brian
Brian

Brian is the founder of Kids Ain’t Cheap and is now sharing his journey through parenthood.

 
Email • Google + • Facebook • Twitter

Filed Under: Growing Up Tagged With: growing up, preteen

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Basic Principles Of Good Parenting

Here some basic principles for good parenting:

  1. What You Do Matters: Your kids are watching you. So, be purposeful about what you want to accomplish.
  2. You Can’t be Too Loving: Don’t replace love with material possessions, lowered expectations or leniency.
  3. Be Involved Your Kids Life: Arrange your priorities to focus on what your kid’s needs. Be there mentally and physically.
  4. Adapt Your Parenting: Children grow quickly, so keep pace with your child’s development.
  5. Establish and Set Rules: The rules you set for children will establish the rules they set for themselves later.  Avoid harsh discipline and be consistent.
  6. Explain Your Decisions: What is obvious to you may not be evident to your child. They don’t have the experience you do.
  7. Be Respectful To Your Child: How you treat your child is how they will treat others.  Be polite, respectful and make an effort to pay attention.
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