A few instances during my Parenting Series, I've mentioned others who have influenced and shaped how I parent (Day 2 and Day 22).
I forgot to mention Bill Cosby. Seriously.
During the mid-80s and early 90s ~ my 20s ~ I watched Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable negotiate the oft piranha-filled waters of parenting. What I liked best about the show was the intelligence and involvement of both parents; I can't think of another show that has since portrayed such positive images of a mother and father.
As parents and lovers.
For fun today ~ but also as instruction ~ I'm sharing a video clip that left an indelible mark in my memory. This episode (I think the show's pilot) has come to mind countless times during my parenting experience, and if you haven't seen it, you need to.
You'll want to watch the entire clip; at the three-minute mark comes an eloquent speech by a son to his father. I can't help but wonder how differently Cliff's response would be today, in a pop culture that sometimes (at least on television) elevates a child's expression over wise parenting.
Parenting Teens & Tweens, Day 22
We're nearing the end of our 31-day Parenting adventure; I'm grateful for those of you who are following the series. Again, I'm not writing this because I think I know it all or because my kids are perfect. I'm just a mom with three teens who has a little experience under my belt, and my kids are turning into the kind of decent people I hoped they would when I entered this world as a mom.
Thanks to those of you who have subscribed in a reader or by email!
Oh, Robin! I adore Bill Cosby. Heathcliff and Claire are definitely role models for Al and me both. (Possibly my love for Al has a little teeny bit to do with the fact that he is very LIKE Bill Cosby in many ways.) Bean already enjoys watching DVDs of the show, as well – they are so much fun to watch with her and talk about! And you know, I bet his reaction wouldn’t change much – I can’t imagine his beliefs would be swayed by shifts in cultural views on parenting. Last time I heard him talk (a PBS special when he received an award, a couple of years ago) he was pretty much still preaching the lessons he taught Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids way back in the day.
My husband rolls with laughter when he watches the Cosby comedy routine about parenting. He has it on his iPod. It’s so great to watch Bill Cosby’s response in this video – “You’re my son, and you absolutely CAN do this!”
I love this clip. Hilarious. My favs:
“You’ve got to have an apartment, because you are not going to live here.”
“There is a problem, you haven’t eaten yet.”
My dad quoted this show to me and lines from this particular episode several times. The thing about the Huxtables, was the loved there kids a ton and they disciplined hard. Good reminder that you have to have both for your kids to respect you. And, I completely agree that this show would be very different now.
I love this clip. Hilarious. My favs:
“You’ve got to have an apartment, because you are not going to live here.”
“There is a problem, you haven’t eaten yet.” I adore Bill Cosby. Heathcliff and Claire are definitely role models for Al and me both.