Parenthood - Page 3

[WeasleyMum]

So I was thinking... in the movie, a bunch of different couples have a new baby by the end. The Steve Martin character and his wife (i.e. the oldest brother in the show, the one with the Aspie son and teenaged daughter); the single mom (i.e. the Lauren Graham character); and her daughter. Also, the youngest couple in the movie (the Rick Moranis character and his wife, i.e. the lawyer mom/ SAHD couple in the show) either have or are trying to have another by the end of the movie, I can't remember.

So... who on the show will be first to get pregnant, do you think? My money's on the lawyer...

[texmati]

Originally Posted by Masel

Really? I thought it was unfair to the SAH moms. At least, the one with a speaking part (Raquel?) seemed too cartoony to be real. Maybe she'll get layers eventually but as written thus far I can see how she'd annoy the mom who works so much overtime.

I really like how there is progression every episode but not everything is solved.

Oh-- I guess I was thinking in terms of the main characters (mind you, I've only seen 3 episodes).

The blonde wife (with the DS with aspergers), is SAH, and so is Laurelei. (horrible with names.)

In episode 1 and 2, the working mom comes off as snooty, competitive, compassionate, nuerotic and really into judging people by weather they work or not. She is painted as having little time for her child. (I have 18 minutes, to play with her, ect).

Laurelei on the other hand get's told that it is an 'honorable choice' to stay at home for 10 years.

[Arduinna]

Originally Posted by texmati

I like that they are showing a tight knit extended family on tv-- there are more of those around than what people think.

Unfortunately, the WHOM/SHAM is getting to me so much that I think I'm going to stop watching. I feel like it's really unfair to the working mom population.

I totally hear ya. In fact when tivo didn't record it, I didn't miss not watching it this week. So I guess that is a sign.

[indigolilybear]

watching it, I admit, as a big Six Feet Under fan, I try anything with Peter Krause in it. It's okay to good. I kinda feel like it's been done before but like it enough to see what kind of stride they hit....I have an autism spectrum child and am thrilled to see that there, but dont' really relate to how they are dealing with it/seeing it. anyway will keep trying and t hough I don't think Dax S. is good looking, he's so charismatic, he's become my favorite character.

[Arduinna]

This weeks was better, but I hate that SAHM and her bossy I have to be the princess all the time while trying to look like all zen and cool so much.

[Mosaic]

I'm so interested in the SAHM/WOHM discussion here. I'm a full-time WOHM, and I also find the storyline a little too real to be comfortable. Sure, it's tv and it's scripted and not "REAL", but it deals with some feelings that I can identify with: the gorgeous, enlightened SAHM who makes real cookies when I'm lucky to buy a tube of dough, the feeling that your kid doesn't like you as much because you're not home enough, the overcompensating because you feel lousy and just making it all WAY worse... etc.

To be fair, they also showed Lauren Graham's character having a hard time reentering the workforce after being "out" for a while, even though she's very talented.

What I do like about the show is that it shows parents trying their darndest to do what's vest, even if they have no clue what that is and screw up a lot along the way.

[Laedi]

Originally Posted by Mosaic

I'm so interested in the SAHM/WOHM discussion here.

I'm a SAHM and even I feel the discomfort with this story line. I try not to be the jealous type but this SAHM Buddhist lady has done things I would find completely unacceptable. I can't believe the wife/mom hasn't flipped her lid. I sure as hades would.

And the preview for next week. I'm really curious to see how this plays out.

[Arduinna]

I've done both, I was a WOHM single mom and a married SAHM which I am now. Personally, I can't stand the way they are writing both sides of it. The SAHM is so freaking annoying I want to slap her. And the WOHM, I really like her as a character but I hate how desperate they make her look. But I can't really identify with either one of those portrayals. I never felt like either of those moms.

[Arduinna]

Forgot to say that I did literally LMAO at the school auction when WOHM said "she doesn't even work : " about SAHM. Personally I think the SAHM in this story is totally passive aggressive. I'd have totally gone off on her by now too.

[StoriesInTheSoil]

Originally Posted by Arduinna

Forgot to say that I did literally LMAO at the school auction when WOHM said "she doesn't even work : " about SAHM. Personally I think the SAHM in this story is totally passive aggressive. I'd have totally gone off on her by now too.

I cracked up at that part too. She got so flustered! The actress played the awkward really well.

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by Mosaic

I'm so interested in the SAHM/WOHM discussion here. I'm a full-time WOHM, and I also find the storyline a little too real to be comfortable. Sure, it's tv and it's scripted and not "REAL", but it deals with some feelings that I can identify with: the gorgeous, enlightened SAHM who makes real cookies when I'm lucky to buy a tube of dough, the feeling that your kid doesn't like you as much because you're not home enough, the overcompensating because you feel lousy and just making it all WAY worse... etc.

LOVE this dynamic. Love. I can't put my finger on why, but it think it's b/c I can totally relate to both the WOHM and SAHM. It has got to be so hard to passionately love both your career and your kids, and to find a balance is tough enough WITHOUT a gorgeous, free spirited *other woman* moving in on your family!!

Originally Posted by Arduinna

Forgot to say that I did literally LMAO at the school auction when WOHM said "she doesn't even work : " about SAHM. Personally I think the SAHM in this story is totally passive aggressive. I'd have totally gone off on her by now too.

Me too! I totally

I think her husband is cheating, emotionally if not physically...

[Masel]

Sarah (Lauren Graham's character) wasn't a SAHM. She just gave the interviewer that impression so she wouldn't have to say she was a bartender for the last 10 years.

This past episode made me laugh so many times. Maybe I'm just in a good mood. I completely though the teacher was going to give Sarah a poem but then it was the check list. (He's played by Jason Ritter who was also great in Joan of Aracadia.)

The character I'm most surprised to like is Crosby. That is the kind of guy I have no patience for in RL and the character so so slimy in the original movie. Loved the line about what happens at playgroup.

I guess I'm entertained by SAH/WOH dynamic (I've been both) because it is so extreme. It's Julia's overtime that's the problem, not just that she works. Raquel is so overdrawn, she can't be real. I'm not like either so I don't feel threatened.

[texmati]

Just wanted to share a little tid bit-- DH was sniggering that Raquel's name in hindi means mistress. Only relevent, because her tattoo was in hindi or sanskrit.

[LDSmomma]

Wow, when watching this show I barely pay attention to the SAH/WOH issues. To read this, it seems that most of y'all really pick up on it! I was paying way more attention to Crosby discovering his son. I didn't expect him to act this way, and I'm glad I was wrong. I'm also way impressed (though I don't think it would happen this way IRL) that no one is commenting on the kid's race. The grandpa does mention that Jabbar is a weird name, but doesn't freak when he sees him, which I thought was good, but not real.

I also feel for Sarah & her relationship with her kids. I'm honestly scared to death of teenage years, and hope this isn't what my kids are like!

[mom23kidsinutah]

I just like the show. I love the characters. I feel bad for Max's mom. I think her DH is really insecure. I love that Crosby is taking on his responsibility as a father. Whatever happened to his girlfriend though? Katie? She hasn't been around like the last 2 episodes. Next week should be interesting with the Yoga instructor.

[matey]

Originally Posted by dawningmama

I think they are doing a really great job with the Aspergers diagnosis and struggle for services. If nothing else, episode 3 really highlighted how much social, education and economica privilege really come into play.

I have been annoyed by how easily services come to these people. Like they went to the special school and they were turned down, then they're like "oh, meet our son" and the school changes their mind. I dont have a child with Aspergers, but I have worked in special ed and have not really seen things work so easily. Also getting into the special dr. with a referral was so easy and now they have the one-on-one behavior specialist who, surprise, surprise, instantly connects with the kid and gets him to easily and positively interact with others. If it was that easy then he could have just stayed in his regular school and had special services.

And that's the other thing, the school couldnt just throw up their hands and have him leave. Yeah, he was in apirate costume, I think he went after a kid, and he broke a fishtank. Do you know what kind of behaviors I have seen kids exhibit only to walk back in to the building day after day?? As far as I know it was a public school, and with all the money they seem to have I think it must be in a good area with good schools, so I'm pretty sure the school would be required and able to provide in school support for this kid.

But it's tv, so whatevs.

[pacificbliss]

I have been watching it. I like it. DH has been watching it too and it prompts lots of parenting discusions which I think is good. Also it's set in Berkeley which is fun for me because it's near where I grew up.

[Arduinna]

well at least I now know I have a legit reason to despise little miss zen chick.

[Koalamom]

Subbing as I am slowly being sucked in...

[treegardner]

DH and I are really enjoying this show. We were really excited that Jason Ritter is on now. I'm a SAHM mom but I don't really relate to the SAHPs on the show. I know playgroups like that though.