When it comes to being a mum, our biggest role model is usually our own mother, followed by other family members and close friends. But there is another bunch of mums we often spend a lot of time observing, and while they’re not real, there are still some important lessons we can learn from TV mothers.
Family comes first
Cheryl West, Outrageous Fortune (actress Robyn Malcolm)
Her family didn’t always appreciate her efforts but feisty Cheryl had the best interests of the West clan at heart. Through all her trials and tribulations, it was always her family she put first, even when they did things that disappointed her.
When kids start making their way in the world, they’re bound to screw up at times. Knowing they have your support is vital in helping them learn from their mistakes and not repeat them. Practise tough love if need be but make sure they know they can always come to you, no matter what they’ve done.
Get to know your kid’s friends
Marion Cunningham, Happy Days (actress Marion Ross)
The caring, motherly Mrs C was especially good at welcoming her son Richie’s friends into her home. She even let Fonz move into their garage.
In their teens, your children’s peers become a very important influence on them, and it’s a good idea to know who they are hanging out with and the attitudes of those mates.
When these friends spend time in your home they’ll get to see the boundaries you put in place and hopefully that will help them to respect those rules. For example, they may be less likely to encourage your kids to break curfew if they know how you’ll respond… and if they have to face you next time they come over.
Learn to be tolerant
Marge Simpson, The Simpsons (voiced by Julie Kavner)
Homer’s wife deserves a medal for everything she puts up with, not only from her impulsive husband but their reckless son, Bart. Marge knows how to pick her battles – while she endures a lot, she will say, “Enough is enough” when she needs to.
Tolerance is under-rated. If you constantly fly off the handle at the things your kids do, take a step back and ask if it is worth getting so wound up. While setting limits is important, you may need to see if there are times when you could be more tolerant.
Ask yourself why your children are behaving this way. Are they bored? Lonely? Frustrated? Do they have excess energy that you could channel into something else, like sport? Or are they simply trying to get your attention?
