When Rachael Schaefer (@hellorachaelrose on TikTok) decided to swap her family’s streaming services for old VHS player, she didn’t expect the moment to resonate far beyond her living room. But her TikTok—showing her children quietly absorbed in the warm glow of a VHS movie—has struck a nerve with millions of parents yearning for something slower, simpler, and more connected.
@hellorachaelrose We’ve really cut back on TV time mostly because we don’t want our kids having access to whatever is on steaming apps. Jord and I decided to hunt for an old VHS TV so the kids can watch movies that we’ve approved. We hunt for old VHS movies they can collect and make it a special experience. The kids have loved every moment of it (and so have we) #nostalgia #90sthrowback #makingmememories #specialmoments #vhs ♬ The Scientist – Coldplay
Related: 11 movies your whole family will enjoy
Switching to a low-fi option started as an attempt to keep better tabs on the type of content her children were consuming. By opting for a TV with a built-in VCR, Rachael and her husband would know their children would be selecting their viewing material from a curated in-home library of VHS tapes. But her nostalgia experiment quickly yielded even more surprising results.
Evenings felt calmer. Her kids were more patient. And movie nights became moments of togetherness again, not just background noise.
Experts say there’s real developmental value behind this “low-tech” shift. Studies have shown that slower media experiences can help strengthen creativity and emotional regulation by allowing children to practice attention, Imagination, and empathy. Their brains have time to process what they’re seeing instead of just reacting.
Related: Are you raising a “living room family” or “bedroom kids?” Inside the viral TikTok trend
It’s no wonder, then, that more parents are craving this kind of intentional simplicity. From unplugged weekends to retro toys and family board game nights, many are rethinking what presence looks like in a world designed for distraction. Tangible experiences (like handling a VHS tape or winding up a cassette) bring back a sense of ritual and shared focus that modern screens can erode.
Comments on the original video include:
- “I’m looking for one for my girls! Such a good idea.” – @haleymango14
- “Running to the thrift store!” – @haileyygarcia_
Related: 10 Minute to Win It games for kids for an awesome family fun night
For Rose’s family, the VHS experiment became more than a throwback. It became a reminder that connection doesn’t always require the latest upgrade. Sometimes, it starts by pressing play…and staying there.
And maybe that’s the message parents are ready to hear: Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. It might just mean finding our way back to what matters most.
Related: TikTok’s ‘Mom Friend’ shares how to talk about technology with kids