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How ’80s Sitcoms Have Informed My Parenting Approach
In my household, my 6-year-old often claims that his favorite show is Teen Titans Go!, but the truth is, he has a soft spot for Diff’rent Strokes. The sitcoms from my childhood have surprisingly fostered a deeper connection during our screen time together. If he’s fortunate, we might have a Diff’rent Strokes night, or perhaps an evening dedicated to The Facts of Life or a memorable Saved by the Bell episode. This bonding experience seems to be more beneficial than the content on Cartoon Network.
Like many parents, I find myself frustrated by the current landscape of children’s television. As my kids grow older, their preference for shows like Uncle Grandpa over educational programs like Super Why! feels like a form of mind-numbing torture. Engaging with them during these moments can be quite challenging when they enter a trance-like state during SpongeBob SquarePants.
A couple of years ago, I was watching Diff’rent Strokes on a channel that primarily airs ’80s reruns interspersed with infomercials for local car dealerships. My son walked in and asked if he could join me, and I welcomed him. This presented a unique opportunity to discuss themes such as race, adoption, and various family structures.
As we watched, the storylines began to captivate us both. While many remember Kimberly’s hair turning green due to acid rainwater, few realize that the episode also delves into environmental activism through Aunt Sophia, who tries to engage Mr. Drummond in addressing pollution. Aunt Sophia’s character appears in several episodes that tackle progressive issues, including one where she reads chemical ingredients from a candy bar wrapper as Mr. Drummond advocates for the removal of junk food vending machines from schools.
Diff’rent Strokes is not alone in its innovative storytelling; consider the episode of Saved by the Bell featuring Becky, the duck from the oil spill storyline—was it ever apparent that the characters were protesting fracking? Or that Charlene from Designing Women used cloth diapers out of concern for landfill waste? These shows offer a rich reservoir of environmentally-conscious lessons, mingled with a layer of nostalgia and humor.
Recently, while at a park, I overheard children arguing with their parents over brightly colored candies. My son leaned over and whispered, “It’s all Arnold Drummond’s fault.” That Arnold, always the catalyst for important discussions.
For now, however, we’ll steer clear of the Very Special Episode focused on sensitive issues like pedophilia—I’ll save that for when he turns seven.
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In summary, revisiting ’80s sitcoms has not only provided entertainment for my son and me but also opened doors to meaningful conversations about social and environmental issues. These nostalgic shows serve as an unexpected yet valuable tool in navigating the complexities of modern parenting.