As the parents of two boys, we watched this episode with particular interest. Theo joins the freshmen football team…much to his father’s delight. As it turns out, his end zone dance is better than his football skills…much to his father’s disappointment.
Son #1 is just starting to develop an interest in team sports. It is fun to watch him as he practices throwing the football and shooting hoops. It is a challenge, though, because he is much smaller than the other boys his age. He shows a lot of persistence and it makes his father and me very proud.
We are not quite sure what Son #2 will do yet. He shows a lot of natural athletic talent and size is not an issue, but he is not naturally motivated to move. He would rather have a party than sweat. Nevertheless, we are delighted by his smiles and his joie de vivre.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Season 1 Episode 3
As I write this, I feel compelled to assure all concerned that I do realize that Cliff and Claire Huxtable are not real people and that The Cosby Show is just that…a tv show. However, as a parent of young children, one must find teachable moments where I can. That also applies to opportunities to learn as well.
That being said, in the third episode, I was struck by Cliff and Claire’s use of natural consequences when dealing with Vanessa’s disobedience. Vanessa had gone behind their backs and went to see a scary movie. She quickly grows to regret it and has nightmares and is too afraid to sleep in her own room. They did not yell at her or ground her…there was no need. Her nightmares were punishment enough. I wish I was more adept at identifying appropriate natural consequences. Sometimes I just end up piling on rather than considering how the kids can learn from their mistakes. In those situations, I have to remember WWCD?
That being said, in the third episode, I was struck by Cliff and Claire’s use of natural consequences when dealing with Vanessa’s disobedience. Vanessa had gone behind their backs and went to see a scary movie. She quickly grows to regret it and has nightmares and is too afraid to sleep in her own room. They did not yell at her or ground her…there was no need. Her nightmares were punishment enough. I wish I was more adept at identifying appropriate natural consequences. Sometimes I just end up piling on rather than considering how the kids can learn from their mistakes. In those situations, I have to remember WWCD?
Friday, June 27, 2008
Season 1 Episode 2
"Goodbye Mr. Fish" centers around the passing of Rudy's beloved goldfish, Lamont. Cliff forces the entire family to gather in the bathroom for a memorial service. In the end, Rudy is bored and wants to watch t.v.
This made me consider how often I force my agenda on my family. In the name of "building memories," do I make them do things that perhaps they don't enjoy or barely tolerate for my sake? Sometimes the best memories are made in the quiet darkness while sitting on Son #1's bed rubbing his back or cuddling with Son #2 watching a movie or reading a book.
This made me consider how often I force my agenda on my family. In the name of "building memories," do I make them do things that perhaps they don't enjoy or barely tolerate for my sake? Sometimes the best memories are made in the quiet darkness while sitting on Son #1's bed rubbing his back or cuddling with Son #2 watching a movie or reading a book.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Season 1 Episode 1
New rule in this house starting now! Nobody's to touch anybody anywhere with anything for the rest of their lives! - Claire Huxtable
This is such a great quote from the pilot episode of The Cosby Show and sums up many days with my two boys. Stop touching! Stop irritating him! Leave him alone! Don't go near him again! The other day, when I had issued such an ultimatum, Son #1 kindly suggested that perhaps I should take a nap. (Can it be that school has only been out 7 days?) I did take a nap and we all felt better.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
My New Blog
Over the past year or so, my family and I have been watching DVDs of tv shows from the 60s, 70s and 80s and it is amazing the life lessons that we have learned! Who would have thought there were such gems buried in Gilligan's Island or Green Acres?
For example, after watching all of the episodes of Gilligan's Island, my two boys now know what essentials to pack for a three hour cruise. The Howells were obviously prepared for any situation that presented itself on the island; the Skipper and Gilligan did not even have a change of clothes. In addition, the Professor had all kinds of text books that served as resources in various crises; a simple magazine or paperback is not enough. We also learned how to create huts, furniture, radios, rafts, aircraft, etc. all out of coconuts, branches and vines. Who knows when this skill will come in useful for my boys?
We felt a special bond with Oliver and Lisa Douglas on Green Acres as city dwellers who move to the city. Some day, my boys may choose to leave the city and they will need to be prepared. They may need to be able to climb a phone pole to answer the phone and may also be required to maintain a tractor (that always had tires in the opening segment, but never in the show). Also, as my sons look forward to driving one day, they watched with interest as Lisa explained the "PeRNunDL."
The show that has really impacted our family the most and has provided a multitude of parenting insights has been the Cosby Show. We are currently completing the 8th and final season. We have watched every episode...with the exception of the one where Theo wants to hire a stripper (too much to explain!) and Rudy gets her period (too realistic/embarrassing for son #1 and his female classmates). We have had some wonderful discussions after many of the episodes. In my upcoming posts, I will share some of our insights/experiences...
For example, after watching all of the episodes of Gilligan's Island, my two boys now know what essentials to pack for a three hour cruise. The Howells were obviously prepared for any situation that presented itself on the island; the Skipper and Gilligan did not even have a change of clothes. In addition, the Professor had all kinds of text books that served as resources in various crises; a simple magazine or paperback is not enough. We also learned how to create huts, furniture, radios, rafts, aircraft, etc. all out of coconuts, branches and vines. Who knows when this skill will come in useful for my boys?
We felt a special bond with Oliver and Lisa Douglas on Green Acres as city dwellers who move to the city. Some day, my boys may choose to leave the city and they will need to be prepared. They may need to be able to climb a phone pole to answer the phone and may also be required to maintain a tractor (that always had tires in the opening segment, but never in the show). Also, as my sons look forward to driving one day, they watched with interest as Lisa explained the "PeRNunDL."
The show that has really impacted our family the most and has provided a multitude of parenting insights has been the Cosby Show. We are currently completing the 8th and final season. We have watched every episode...with the exception of the one where Theo wants to hire a stripper (too much to explain!) and Rudy gets her period (too realistic/embarrassing for son #1 and his female classmates). We have had some wonderful discussions after many of the episodes. In my upcoming posts, I will share some of our insights/experiences...
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