Raising Kids with '90s Tech: A Modern Parent's Guide

In a world dominated by instant streaming and digital communication, one family is intentionally looking backward to move forward. Janie George, a 31-year-old senior art director from Utah, is raising her three children with a curated blend of modern and analog technology. Her home is a living museum of the 1990s, where VHS tapes, film cameras, and a typewriter are not relics, but daily tools for connection and growth.

George's approach is a deliberate counterpoint to the hyper-connected, fast-paced digital culture. By introducing items like a Tin Can phone and a collection of classic movies, she aims to slow down family life, foster independence, and share the tactile joys of her own childhood with her children, aged 3, 6, and 9.

The family's entertainment system is a carefully constructed space designed for autonomy and age-appropriate content. A few months ago, George and her husband purchased a VHS and DVD machine from Facebook Marketplace for $80. This system is set up downstairs, separate from the main family television, allowing the children to choose and operate their own media.

This setup enables the children to watch classic films like Jaws and Indiana Jones independently. They can rewind, play, and pause without needing adult assistance, fostering a sense of responsibility. The collection is supplemented with a Nintendo Classic Mini, preloaded with classic games that plug in via HDMI for easy use.

By setting up this little entertainment system downstairs... I can let my kids do their own thing, knowing all the content they choose is age-appropriate.

To build their library, the family mimics the experience of a video rental store. They visit a local thrift store, Savers, where the children use chore money to pick out movies. This ritual includes getting pizza and a treat, recreating the excitement of a Friday night rental that George experienced as a child.

Beyond entertainment, George uses analog tools to teach valuable life skills. For several years, she has taken family photos on a film camera, a practice that requires patience and intention. The process of waiting for photos to be developed teaches her children that they don't need instant gratification.

The tactile experience of hearing the camera's shutter and feeling the physical print is a key part of the lesson. While the cost of film and development is significant, George believes the value is immeasurable. You just can't capture that type of moment with an iPhone or other digital camera.

Similarly, a vintage typewriter purchased for $35 on Facebook Marketplace has become a creative outlet. The children use it to write letters to friends and Santa, and even complete design "briefs" typed up by their mother. This tool connects them to the physical act of writing and design in a way a keyboard cannot.

George's method extends to fostering social skills and independence through tangible objects. The Tin Can phone, a modern device that mimics a landline, is a cornerstone of this effort. It costs $75 plus shipping with a $9.99 monthly fee, but George calls it "100% worth it."

The phone allows her children to call approved friends to schedule playdates, a task that previously required parental mediation. This system helps them learn to speak politely, manage their schedules, and delay the need for a personal cellphone. I just want them to be present with where they are.

• Phone Etiquette: Children learn to speak clearly and politely.
• Scheduling: They take ownership of arranging their social time.
• Independence: They can communicate without a parent's smartphone.

The children have also embraced trading cards, discovered at a thrift store. They curate packs for friends and trade them in person, a natural activity that mirrors the social interactions of previous generations. To organize contact numbers for their new phone, they use a Rolodex, which they decorated with stickers after typing the cards on their typewriter.

It is important to note that this lifestyle is not a complete rejection of modern technology. George is clear that her home still has TVs and other contemporary conveniences. The goal is balance, not deprivation. When the children want to play a Nintendo Switch or watch a modern movie on YouTube TV, they do so upstairs with their parents.

This separation creates clear boundaries. The analog downstairs space is for independent, curated play, while the modern upstairs space is for facilitated family viewing. This structure allows the family to enjoy the best of both worlds: the connection and slowness of the past, and the convenience and options of the present.

We live in a really busy time, and I don't want to pretend we don't have modern conveniences in my house.

By thoughtfully integrating retro technology, Janie George has created a unique family culture. It is a culture that values presence over pace, connection over clicks, and the timeless joy of a shared experience, whether it's watching a movie on VHS or writing a letter on a typewriter.