In a nostalgic twist, some parents are trading in modern streaming services for VHS tapes, hoping to teach their children patience and improve attention spans. The trend, which has gained traction on social media, involves playing movies and shows on the vintage format, complete with lengthy previews and the need to rewind.
Why VHS?
Parents argue that VHS tapes offer slower-paced content that requires waiting, unlike the instant gratification of streaming. TikTok user Janie George canceled her Disney+ and Netflix subscriptions, writing: 'Hoping to cultivate a longer attention span with slower-paced shows, full-length movies, watching previews, and having to rewind the movie again. Trying to teach that we don’t always get the exact show or episode we want at any given moment.' Her post has amassed over 890,000 views.
Instant Gratification vs. Patience
Another TikToker, @reelmomstuff, echoed this sentiment in a viral video: 'If you want to raise patient kids, you should show them movies on VHS.' She highlighted the lack of instant gratification, as children must sit through '20 minutes of previews.' Madi Swegle added that VHS allows parents to monitor content closely, noting her kids are 'learning patience' with 'no instant switching every two seconds.'
A Blast from the Past
VHS tapes, introduced in the 1970s, revolutionized home entertainment, enabling viewers to watch films like The Sound of Music and M.A.S.H. at home. They spurred video rental stores such as Blockbuster, where customers rented tapes for a few dollars and returned them the next day—ideally rewound. However, the rise of DVDs in the late 1990s and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu eventually rendered VHS obsolete.
Growing Demand
While most VHS tapes now gather dust in attics or sit in second-hand stores, this trend could spark renewed demand. TikTok user @samanthavklase advised followers: 'Get on it now, because I have a feeling this trend is going to continue to go, and because of it prices are going to go up.' As more parents embrace the format, VHS tapes may see a resurgence, blending nostalgia with modern parenting goals.
