When my husband, Adam, was growing up, his family dedicated Friday nights to pizza and TGIF.
Those that grew up in the 80s and 90s remember the glory days of TV when you had a dedicated line up of amazing shows ready with new episodes on Friday nights.
The second that TGIF hit the television set, the weekend officially started. Full House, Family Matters and Boy Meets World would occupy your evening, and fill it with laughs and learning moments.
There were no phones for scrolling or distractions. No baseball or soccer practices were held on Friday nights. It was just family time with greasy pizza and some family friendly shows.
Unfortunately the magic of pizza and TGIF gets lost as you get older. And now looks completely different in today’s society filled with endless distractions and much too serious sports for my seven and nine year-olds.
But the Hopkins Household still tries to find one weekend night dedicated to staying in with pizza and some together-time.
There is nothing quite like TGIF this day and age, and sadly my kids haven’t gotten into any of the shows from my youth, even though Adam has tried. Instead we find a new movie that the whole family can enjoy and snuggle up on the couch for some together time.
Here is why this throwback tradition deserves a permanent spot on your weekly calendar:
1. It’s a No Stress Reset for Parents.
With all the craziness and chaos that lifes brings, it’s wonderful to have a dedicated night where you don’t have to make any decisions or even leave the house. No one is tasked with deciding what to make for dinner and then cooking and cleaning.
A scheduled pizza night makes the whole family happy, who doesn’t love delicious pizza!, and completely removes any extra work.
2. Schedules Help Create Stability.
Kids thrive on rhythms, and predictable traditions can serve as emotional anchors.
When Griff and Owen know that every weekend will bring a cozy evening with no expectations attached, they have something comforting to look forward to during the week.
3. It Brings the Family Together.
No more solo screen time, where the kids are focused on their tablets or gaming systems. Instead the whole family shares the movie and pizza experience together. We watch the same story, laugh at the same jokes and grasp the same plot twists.
4. It’s an Inexpensive Way to Build Core Memories.
Life is crazy expensive these days. Thankfully, pizza and a movie nights at home are an experience that won’t break the bank.
Instead, these nights are something the whole family will remember and cherish without the price tag associated with a Disney trip.
We may not be able to bring back the 90s, but we can bring back the feeling of TGIF in our own living rooms. And provide the same experience for our kids, which hopefully they will treasure as they grow up.
I implore you. This weekend, turn off your phone notifications, order the pizza and bring the family together on the couch for a shared family movie night.
The chaos of the week can be suspended for one night, and instead the cozy and safe feelings can wash over your kids as you start what will become a valued family tradition.
