Parenting today often feels like a battle against screens, algorithms, and never-ending notifications. But for Kristyna Cates, a mother of three, raising her kids means rewinding the clock—and bringing back the magic of the 1990s.
Determined to give her children a childhood filled with imagination, connection, and simplicity, Kristyna has recreated a lifestyle inspired by her own upbringing. Here are five nostalgic ways she’s making the 90s cool again—and why it might be exactly what modern families need.
1. Classic Board Games and Brainy Puzzles
Forget Fortnite—Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue are making a comeback in Kristyna’s household. By prioritizing traditional games, she encourages hands-on play that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-time social interaction. Her kids are learning patience, teamwork, and strategy—all while having a blast without a screen in sight.
2. Backyard Adventures and Real-World Exploration
Think mud pies, bike rides, and flashlight tag. Kristyna’s kids spend hours outdoors, just like many of us did in the 90s. Whether they’re chasing butterflies or building forts, the emphasis is on physical activity, imagination, and experiencing nature in its rawest form. It’s about getting dirty, discovering the world, and learning by doing.
3. Old-School Family Movie Nights
Every Friday, it’s lights out and popcorn on. Kristyna curates a playlist of 90s classics—from The Sandlot to Matilda—turning movie nights into bonding rituals. Cozy blankets, dim lights, and shared laughter create a warm family atmosphere that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world.
4. DIY Crafts and Hands-On Creativity
Instead of store-bought gadgets and factory-made toys, Kristyna encourages her kids to get crafty. With paintbrushes, yarn, glue, and wood, they build, sculpt, and create. These activities help develop fine motor skills, patience, and pride in personal achievement—plus, every creation becomes a cherished memory.
5. Screen-Free Summers
Kristyna has made a bold parenting move: no screens during summer. No tablets, no smartphones—just sunshine, books, bicycles, and backyard barbecues. The result? Her kids are more engaged, imaginative, and socially aware. They’re learning how to connect without filters, likes, or Wi-Fi.
Kristyna’s parenting style is more than nostalgia—it’s a conscious effort to reclaim childhood from the digital noise. By reviving the rhythms of the 90s, she’s giving her kids something timeless: the freedom to play, connect, and grow without distractions.
So if you're longing for simpler times, maybe it’s time to dust off those old board games, unplug the Wi-Fi, and let your kids discover the magic you once knew.