My 7-year-old daughter has developed a fascination with The Brady Bunch. She’s binge-watching the series in her unique order, enjoying the ups and downs of the characters as they age and revert back to their younger selves. Ah, the wonders of streaming!
Watching the show as an adult is quite an experience. It played a significant role in my childhood, and while I fondly recalled the episodes, I had a skewed memory of Mike and Carol Brady as strict parents. Having grown up in a more relaxed environment, I perceived them as overly controlling. However, I now see that they offered their kids a good balance of freedom to learn from their mistakes.
As we watch together, I’ve come to realize that my daughter can learn so much from Marcia. She’s not just the attractive girl who wins trophies and stirs jealousy; she embodies qualities that make her a fantastic role model. Here are nine reasons why:
- She Represents Feminism
Marcia believes girls can achieve anything boys can. When she joins Greg’s Frontier Scouts meeting to prove her point, she successfully shows that she can set up a tent, start a fire, and find her way home, despite the boys’ ridicule. Ultimately, she doesn’t even need to be a Scout; her goal was simply to demonstrate her capabilities. Later, she also bests Greg in a driving contest, proving her skills once again. - She Shows Compassion
Remember the episode with Molly? Originally nominated as a joke to host the Senior Banquet, Marcia feels sorry for her and helps her gain confidence through a makeover. Marcia’s kindness transforms Molly from a victim into a strong contender. Additionally, when running against Greg for class president, Marcia gracefully concedes, allowing compassion to triumph over ambition. - She Takes Responsibility
When Mike and Carol can’t find a sitter, Marcia and Greg convince them they’re mature enough to handle things themselves. Their success leads to a hilarious situation where they call the police on their own parents, showcasing their responsibility and resourcefulness. - She Learns from Her Mistakes
Admitting to errors is tough for many kids—and adults too. Marcia is always ready to own up to her mistakes and make amends. The notorious “Oh, my nose!” episode highlights this when she realizes the consequences of dumping Charley for Doug. After a humbling experience, she apologizes to Charley and takes accountability for her actions. - She Appreciates Unconventional Boys
Marcia has had her share of crushes, from Doug Simpson to Warren Mulaney, demonstrating that everyone has their unique preferences when it comes to romance. - She Has a Great Sense of Humor
In her quest to be popular, Marcia signs up for multiple clubs only to be faced with comical situations, like when Peter’s volcano experiment causes chaos. She understands the importance of laughter and prefers to surround herself with those who share her sense of fun. - She Upholds Ethics
When Marcia develops a crush on her dentist, she wisely steps back, recognizing that he is already married. She understands the importance of doing what’s right, no matter how tempting the situation may be. - She Cares for Others
In a bid to bring her family together, Marcia takes the lead in encouraging her mother’s grandmother and her father’s grandfather to fall in love. Despite initial setbacks, her determination pays off, and they end up eloping in Vegas. - She Gets to Meet Celebrities
Who wouldn’t want their daughter to experience meeting her idols? Marcia gets to meet her crush, Desi Arnaz, Jr., and has memorable encounters with other celebrities throughout the series.
Watching The Brady Bunch not only allows me to relive my childhood but also serves as an opportunity for my daughter to absorb valuable lessons from Marcia Brady. While she still wants to dress as Cindy for Halloween, I remain hopeful that Marcia’s qualities will resonate with her. For more insights on parenting and family, check out our post on home insemination techniques here.
In conclusion, Marcia Brady is not just a character on a show; she embodies values that are essential for young girls today. From her determination to compassion and responsibility, she serves as a great influence for my daughter.