‘’90s summers’ nostalgia

The sound of kids laughing in the spray of an open fire hydrant, bikes scattered across front porches and neighborhood games stretching until the streetlights flickered on are memories many adults now romanticize as the perfect “’90s summer.” But while social media celebrates the freedom and nostalgia of those childhood summers, pediatricians say some of the habits many grew up with can carry real risks in today’s world.

For Michelle “Shell” Laden, summer in St. Louis meant long days outside with little supervision and even fewer worries. She remembers drinking straight from garden hoses, playing jump rope in the middle of the street and walking to the corner candy store alone as a child.

“Our parents would send us outside and we would be OK,” Laden said. “These kids don’t get the learning experience of playing outside anymore.”

Children today generally have fewer opportunities to walk, bike and play without adult supervision than previous generations, according to a review by researchers in Washington University’s McLeod Scholars Program.

As nostalgia for ’90s summers trends online, health experts are reminding families that balancing outdoor freedom with modern safety precautions is critical. Pediatricians say simple measures — reapplying sunscreen, staying hydrated, wearing helmets and setting clear check-in expectations — can prevent serious injuries while still allowing children to enjoy active summers outdoors.

Dr. Daniel Wachstock, a pediatrician, said parents should not let fear keep children inside all summer.

“The worst thing for kids is to sit on the couch and play video games all summer,” Wachstock said. “I want the kids moving, get out there and have fun.”

Still, he cautions that some childhood habits celebrated online are not as harmless as many remember. Garden hoses, once treated like neighborhood drinking fountains, can contain bacteria, insects and harmful metals.

“I’m not opposed to drinking out of a water hose, kids need to get in the dirt and play to build up their immune system,” Wachstock said.

However, data show that water left sitting in hoses under the summer sun can become hot enough to cause severe burns.

Wachstock said one of his biggest concerns during the hottest months is heat-related illness. Children experiencing dehydration or heat exhaustion may complain of headaches, vomiting or extreme fatigue. Sunburns can also escalate quickly, especially during peak afternoon UV hours.

“When the skin is still red, go inside for a while or cover up the skin,” he said, stressing the importance of reapplying sunscreen throughout the day.

Bike and scooter injuries remain another common summer danger. Wachstock said helmets are one of the simplest ways to reduce serious injuries, noting that protective headgear can significantly lower the risk of traumatic brain injuries.

Part of the ’90s summer nostalgia includes long afternoons at community pools, lakes and beaches.

But water-safety advocates warn that those memories can carry greater risks for Black children. Black children ages 5 to 9 drown at rates more than twice as high as white children. Advocates say the disparity is tied in part to generations of unequal access to pools and swim instruction.

The issue has touched St. Louis families directly. The 2022 drowning death of 6-year-old T.J. Mister during a St. Louis County summer camp outing sparked renewed conversations about water safety, swimming education and access to swim lessons in the region.

For many adults, though, the nostalgia tied to those summers is less about the risks and more about the independence they experienced. Elizabeth Sharp-Taylor recalls going to the pool with friends as a teenager without cellphones or adults nearby.

“As long as we had a big group and were home by a certain time, my parents were OK with me going,” she said. “I also remember riding my bike during this age with no supervision.”

Sharp-Taylor believes children today miss opportunities to develop decision-making skills that naturally came with outdoor play and independence.

“I think kids today are missing the opportunity to make small decisions on their own,” she said. “Learning how to judge strangers, deciding if this is a trusted person, or knowing when to leave if the group is doing something they don’t value.”

Research highlighted in the WashU review found that children given greater independence spend more time outdoors and are more physically active.

But as a parent herself, she admits the world feels different now. Her 7-year-old son is already being taught to be cautious around strangers, and she expects he will eventually have a cellphone for safety reasons.

“Not because I don’t trust him,” she said, “it’s just a way to have connection to him because I don’t trust others.”

Laden shares those concerns. While she fondly remembers bikes left on porches and children roaming freely through neighborhoods, she said she would not allow her grandchildren to experience the same level of independence today. Concerns about reckless driving, gun violence and kidnappings have changed how families approach outdoor play.

“There is no community,” Laden said. “Neighbors don’t look out for the kids who play outside.”

The WashU review also found that parents’ perceptions of neighborhood safety and community trust are among the strongest factors influencing whether children are allowed to walk, bike and play independently.

Even so, both parents and pediatricians agree children still need time outdoors. The challenge for today’s families is finding a balance between the carefree spirit of summers past and the safety precautions modern life demands.