Parents-Which Fictional Mom/Dad did/do you aspire to, and which do/did you fear that you emulate(d)?

Cafe Society
1

Not sure if this is in the right forum, but…

Most of the time, I hear my dad’s words/tone coming out through me when gut-reacting to my kids. I suppose that’s as normal as can be.

Just so we can get a general feel for how you perceive your own parenting style, please pick a fictional parent from movies, TV, books, etc. that you would hope you are like, and one that you fear that you are really like.

Personally, I wish I was more like My Three Sons’ Steve Douglas (Fred MacMurray) but I fear I come across sometimes like The Wonder Years’ Jack Arnold (Dan Lauria).

2

Thinking back to possible contenders, Atticus Finch comes to mind. (To Kill a Mockingbird))

3

Roseanne

and… Roseanne.

4

I aspired to emulate Calvin’s dad. Yes, from Calvin and Hobbes.

I feared not achieving better than Malcolm’s dad. Yes, from Malcolm in the Middle.

5

We’re both still aspiring for Calvin’s Mom and Dad.

6

Fantasy: Charles Ingalls

Reality: Al Bundy

7

I just try to do my best. Unfortunately, I succeed.

8

There was a sitcom called Grounded for Life with Donal Logue and Megyn Price, I always thought they were good parents that struck a good balance of responsibility and fun.

Parents to avoid, Al and Peg (Married with Children), Frank and Estelle (Seinfeld.)

9

I aspire to be Atticus Finch, but have too short a temper for it.

10

I aspire to be Lorelai Gilmore, but I suppose I’m probably more along the lines of Frankie Heck. Which isn’t too bad, just a lot less glamorous.

11

Aspire: Gomez Addams
Reality: Rusty Venture

12

Ideal: Nanny Fine.

Reality: Calvin’s mom.

13

A cautionary tale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyXJfUPSQhM

14

Oh, my goodness. I wish I had not watched that.

Ditto. I would SO take
a kidney from each of my rotten kids.

15

Aspire: Lorelai Gilmore
Reality: Edina (Absolutely Fabulous) - except I’m sober most of the time.

16

I can’t recall their names, but I liked the parents in Mom and Dad Save the World.

17

As a mother-in-law.

Aspire: Endora
Reality: Aunt Clara

18

There’s this crazy thing all the kids these days are calling “Wikipedia”: Mom and Dad Save the World - Wikipedia