Mom Goes Viral For Teaching Her Daughters How To Work The Ultimate Millennial Throwback Toy

There’s something magical about childhood memories. Whether it’s the jingle of an old commercial, the smell of fresh-cut grass in the summer, or the clunky charm of a retro toy, certain things have the power to transport us back in time. 

Nostalgia doesn’t just remind us of where we’ve been; it lets us relive the moments that shaped us, reminding us of simpler days filled with carefree laughter and bruised knees. 

The world today is starkly different from what it was a few decades ago. With screens and digital experiences staging a hostile takeover, those flashes of the past now feel even more precious than ever. 

They’re a reminder of the days when entertainment meant getting outside, hopping on a bike, or learning to master the latest toy craze. 

And let’s face it: toys back then had character. They didn’t need batteries or apps—they relied on creativity, skill, and just a little bit of daring.

For many, one such relic was the Skip-It, the ankle-bound toy that had kids jumping and dodging to keep up with its rhythm. For millennial mom Bonnie Lee, rediscovering a Skip-It while on vacation was more than just a trip down memory lane—it was a chance to pass a piece of her own childhood onto her daughters.

Throwback vibes in full swing! Bonnie shows her daughters how she rolled back in the day with a Skip-It masterclass

PHOTO: BONNIE LEE

When Bonnie spotted a Skip-It among the prizes at an arcade, memories came rushing back, and she couldn’t resist introducing her daughters to a little slice of her tween years.

Feeling nostalgic, Bonnie cashed in her arcade tickets for the Skip-It and proudly handed it to her daughters, ages six and nine. The reaction? Pure confusion. 

“They looked at it like it was a relic from another planet,” Bonnie laughed. But in her case, as soon as she strapped it to her ankle, her body instinctively remembered the rhythm. “It was like riding a bike. My body just knew what to do.” 

Teaching her daughters, however, proved trickier than expected. Bonnie realized she’d learned the skill from the old Skip-It commercial jingle, which she found herself humming as she demonstrated.

Despite a few failed attempts—and a broken Skip-It—Bonnie’s daughters persisted. They ordered a new one, and after some practice (and a few close encounters with their shins), the girls finally got the hang of it. “They were so proud, and so was I,” Bonnie shares, though she playfully adds, “I’m still the best, though!”

The Power of Nostalgia

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, notes that nostalgia can significantly boost our emotional well-being. She suggests that reminiscing about joyful childhood experiences, like playing with toys such as Skip-It, can enhance feelings of connection and happiness.

Research indicates that engaging in nostalgic activities helps foster social bonds, especially in families. By actively sharing these experiences, parents can strengthen their relationships with their children, creating a sense of belonging.

Dr. Lyubomirsky emphasizes that incorporating nostalgic play into family routines can transform mundane moments into cherished memories, ultimately benefiting mental health.

Progress alert! This millennial mom isn’t just reminiscing; she’s passing down some serious Skip-It skills

In an age when kids are more drawn to screens than outdoor play, showing her daughters a game that doesn’t involve an app was a welcome change. “Watching your kids do anything you did as a kid and seeing the moment come full circle just heals you somehow,” she shared.

The video struck a chord with viewers, sparking waves of nostalgia in the comments. People began sharing their own hilarious Skip-It memories, which brought a smile to Bonnie’s face. “It felt like talking to old friends about ‘the good ole days,’” she said.

Bonnie was vocal about how she’ll always treasure these moments. By documenting them on TikTok, she’s creating a live scrapbook of memories she’ll always have to look back on. 

It’s a memory she’s glad to have captured, not only for her daughters but also for a whole generation ready to relive the magic of their youth.

Experts in child psychology, like Dr. Becky Kennedy, advocate for interactive play as a powerful teaching tool. Engaging children in hands-on activities encourages not only physical coordination, but also essential social skills like cooperation and turn-taking.

Dr. Kennedy emphasizes that parents should strive to create an environment where such interactive experiences are frequent. She recommends setting aside designated times for nostalgic games, as this not only enhances family bonding but also allows children to develop critical life skills.

By encouraging play with retro toys like Skip-It, parents can leverage nostalgia to teach valuable lessons while making lasting memories.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Nostalgia plays a transformative role in shaping our emotional landscapes. Research from the University of Southampton reveals that engaging in nostalgic activities can combat loneliness and foster a sense of belonging. Particularly, when children participate in activities that parents enjoyed in their youth, it creates a unique bonding experience.

Experts like Dr. Barry Schwartz remind us that the choices we make regarding play can impact our emotional health. By blending nostalgia with family engagement, parents can cultivate resilience in their children, making these moments not only fun but meaningful.