Have you ever watched the show, “Man With A Plan?” It is by far one of the most realistic comedy’s about family life I’ve watched in a long time.
Last week, my daughter and I were at each other’s throats. She’s entered that age where she (thinks) she deserves everything that she wants when she wants it. And when she doesn’t get it, she throws a teenage tantrum. It’s as if she is fourteen going on four. Except we expect it from a four year old and a little more maturity from a fourteen year old. But I’ve learned that’s expecting way too much of a teen.
My challenge has been adapting to and accepting reality is fourteen going on four. Accepting her but not accepting the behavior, knowing this is a phase and she will grow through it. But man is it stressful on Suzy and I.
So we have to make it up as we go along. We have to create unique disciplinary actions that match the situation and child as well as any overcoming any of our own fears. I told my mother what we had come up with and her response was, “Brian, you handled the situation and did what you had to do and now you move forward.” It was so refreshing to hear from someone who actually lived it and didn’t judge; like an “expert” or a 50 year old couple who never had kids.
And that’s where “Man With A Plan” comes in. The parents have a moral compass, want to do the right thing, want their own lives, to do their best, who fail and succeed. But they keep going and don’t quit and that’s the success. It’s a throw back because at the end there is usually a sit down resolution between the parents about how they could’ve done better. Then in the next episode sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. Just like real life.
Dr. Brian
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