11 Things I want my son to learn from ’80s movies

My son W recently started taking karate at our local YMCA. Earlier this week I was helping him get ready for class and I had this crazy moment of panic.

“PLEASE don’t let my kid become a Johnny Lawrence!”

Everything I know about karate comes from The Karate Kid franchise. Of course you guys all remember Johnny, right? In the film he was a passionate student of “Cobra Kai,” also known as THE BAD KARATE. Meanwhile Daniel, the kid who was supposed to be our hero, was always so reluctant to learn.

Johnny was a jerk and a bully, but his enthusiasm for the sport was huge. I watched W practice his moves in the long hallway of the YMCA and I instantly wanted to pull him over and tell him everything about the movie. I wanted him to know that being passionate and driven about a sport is fantastic and wonderful, but a sport should never turn him into someone he isn’t. A sport could make him a better boy, but if anyone tried to tell him to use a sport to harm another person, they were wrong. And bad. And, hold on, you see, there was this kid named Johnny …

Our generation learned a lot of life lessons from the movies we grew up with, but unfortunately my 6-year-old is still too young to sit down and discover the amazing oeuvre of John Hughes and beyond. For now, I’ll just have to settle for calming my pop culture mom brain by making a list of the films that influenced me greatly and making a note of what I think my son can take away from them.

1. The Breakfast Club | Everyone has a story. 

The Breakfast Club Everyone has a story 11 Things I want my son to learn from ’80s movies 11 Things I want my son to learn from ’80s movies
The Breakfast Club Everyone has a story

One day you may find yourself being forced to spend time with people you don’t really know. Don’t assume you don’t have anything in common with these people. Talk to them and find out their stories. EVERYONE has a story. Even you.

2. E.T. | When you meet someone new and different, befriend them.

E.T. When you meet someone new and different, befriend them 11 Things I want my son to learn from ’80s movies
E.T. When you meet someone new and different, befriend them

Show them the way if they seem lost and protect them from those who would do them harm.

3. Indiana Jones | There’s a history to every object you encounter.

indiana Jones There’s a history to every object you encounter 11 Things I want my son to learn from ’80s movies
Indiana Jones There’s a history to every object you encounter

Finding out the history and backstory isn’t a chore, but an opportunity. If something sparks your interest, keep looking and researching.

4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off | We all need a mental health day every once in a while.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off  We all need a mental health day every once in a while 11 Things I want my son to learn from ’80s movies
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off  We all need a mental health day every once in a while

Sometimes school can be overwhelming. Taking a mental health day is OK. (But check in with me first.)

5. The Goonies | Great friends will see you through everything.

The-Goonies-Great-friends-will-see-you-through-everything-11-Things-I-want-my-son-to-learn-from-80s-movies
The Goonies

Stick up for each other and never leave a friend behind.

6. Back to the Future | Science is AWESOME.

Back to the Future

If you get excited by science class, work to connect with your teachers. Sometimes they are involved with pretty incredible side projects, and they might need your help.

7. Ghostbusters | Keep your fridge clean.

Ghostbusters  Keep your fridge clean 11 Things I want my son to learn from ’80s movies
Ghostbusters

If you ever see anything truly scary in the refrigerator, DO NOT engage with it.

8. The Karate Kid No one roots for the bully.

The Karate Kid No one roots for the bully 11 Things I want my son to learn from ’80s movies
The Karate Kid

Ever.

9. The Princess Bride | Being loyal will take you far.

The Princess Bride

Be loyal with your friends. Be loyal with your heart. It is always worth it.

10. Real Genius Believe in your smarts.

10. Real Genius | Believe in your smarts.
Real Genius

Always.

11. Teen Wolf Be yourself.

 Teen Wolf

I know it can sometimes feel weird to grow into the people we were born to be, but don’t shy away from the real you.

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