Please Watch the Good Wife this week
Good parenting and the Good Wife
I was thrilled with an episode of the Good Wife, (which I really enjoy watching every week) where Julianna Marguiles who plays Alicia Florrick the scorned wife who had to go back to work while raising her two children and lands a job working as an attorney starting over.
In the episode her 14 year old child has a girl in his room that is 16 and gives the inference she is sexually interested in Alicia’s son and not so enthusiastic about helping him with his homework which is why she is there. As she leaves, his grandmother sees her and there is concern as she’s not comfortable that her grandson has a good looking person in his room with the door closed, and when mom comes home she suggests they begin going to church to encourage values in the children and Julianna is perplexed and asks for an explanation as to why grandma is apprehensive, and here’s the component I really enjoyed, as a grandmother who believes we have a short window to teach our children and this was one of those important opportunities, where we can make a difference or at least we hope we can therefore, when grandma tells her story Julianna immediately goes into the room of her son and begins being what I consider a good parent.
Julianna asks her son who was in the room with him today and he gives his version of having the young bombshell in to help him with homework and is perplexed as to why mother is concerned as he is exerting his right to privacy (remember he’s 14) and that his computer (a needed tool today) is in his space so what is he to do? Julianna begins to unplug the monitor and computer picks it up and tells him to get the rest and follow her into the living room (I think) and embarks on letting her son know, without raising her voice, that he will now have his tutors give him instruction in an open environment and she will have no concerns relating to her son and girls in his room behind closed doors. There is a brief exchange of words where you understand her son is very angry and unable to accept why he can’t or isn’t allowed to have young girls in his room behind closed doors and Julianna who never shows anything other then concern for the well being of her child, tell him your fourteen and not entitled to privacy, and will keep the computer in an open space and that no matter what he thinks she is exhibiting good parenting she loves him and moves on next no further discussion allowed, which has always been my attitude with my kids and grandchildren. Therefore, I don’t know who the influence or writer on this show is however, I wanted to jump into the television and shake her hand (Julianna) and anyone else who was involved in the segment and ask them to please consider maintaining those values because it is my honest opinion and remember (it’s mine) I think we contribute too allowing and encouraging our children to grow up way to soon in today’s world.
Thus, no judgment for parents because it’s been a change in our standard of living over many years Disney has made their teen characters dress and act beyond their years including Hannah Montana and frankly it’s disappointing as I wonder what age kids are able to be just kids and if you don’t agree that’s fine just stop reading my blog because we’re all entitled to those opinions and when I don’t agree with someone I discontinue reading and move on to another blog or post. So the reason for this view is simple, watching the Good Wife has been fun and I hope enough of you agree so that it will be a popular series and have a long life on television consequently will you consider watching it on CBS Tuesdays 10 o’clock Eastern time and help it stay well-liked and share your thoughts as there’s lot going on in the program regarding conflict in a marriage, raising children as a single parent because dad is currently in jail, and introducing difficult choices which we can all learn from in one way or another. It’s not just about being a parent it’s also relating to marital and relationship issues with your spouse or partner and then there’s the mother in law which you can write a book about as well, thus, we can all probably come up with some good posts on our blog as we continue to see Juliana meander through her world with her lifestyle and issues she is faced with and I seem to learn from her every time I watch a new episode and that’s a good thing even at my age.
Further I hope you’ll consider what I’ve said about our kids today, growing up too soon and living in a sexually motivated world and perhaps over time, we’ll be able to back track and encourage them to be children longer instead of wearing make up and thinking about being an adult before the age of 12, and once again, it’s not judgment it’s asking you to give this some thought and see if you agree that somehow without many of us realizing it, our kids seem to have pressures and stress in their lives at younger ages and possibly we can do something about it if we’re more open to listening and thinking about choices we can make which will allow our children to behave more like children later in their years rather then growing up before their time so hope your with me on Tuesday night and that you agree we can all learn something from The Good Wife, whether we like her or not.
No teenagers in my house with the door closed — coed study sessions were at the dining room table. Never mind that my kids were at mass every Sunday — it was a question of plain damn common sense (which doesn’t appear to be common anymore)! It’s asking for trouble. There were also no computers or televisions or in my children’s rooms — they worked on the computer where we could see what they were doing and we could check where they had been wandering across the ‘Net and we had one TV and it cost privileges if Mom walked in the family room and MTV (I don’t have a problem with music but some of the videos were too graphic) or other prohibited programs were on the television.
I just had a situation last weekend with my neighbor’s son who does chores for me. I called his mother — who had the good grace to be appalled — and we discussed it and worked out the problem and then he and I discussed trust and respect for my standards. I was so glad that his mother was not one of the “my little darling can do no wrong” school of thought” that seens to become so prevalent these days. I received a very sincere apology. And his mom was thrilled that I was willing to work with her because he thinks so much of me and I’m a good influence on him. I like this
teen and have great hopes for him and I’m happy to help.
Don’t parents have an iota of sense anymore?
Furthermore, starting to take kids to church in their teens is probably too late. My kids knew how to sit still in church by age three and understood in their teens that it was mandatory. I sort of chuckled when they got older and made comments about little ones whose parents didn’t make them behave at mass.
We watch very little TV, and so I haven’t seen The Good Wife and know absolutely nothing about it – storyline, values, etc – but I’m all for dramas reinforcing good values. I’ve been disturbed for a very long time now about the way most parents allow their children to dress and act, particularly the girls.
Here’s my pet peeve. If you have a young daughter below the age of twelve (say), and you dress her (or allow her to dress) in miniature adult clothing, complete with make-up, nail varnish, low-cut tops, ultra short skirts and sexy shoes, why are you surprised when older boys look at her as a sexual being? And isn’t this playing into the hands of perverts, too?
It’s a bit like women wearing tee shirts with writing all over the front and giving men a dirty look for eyeing up their breasts. It’s about time people realised what they were doing when they dress in a particular way. All very well for those old and wise enough to handle it, but …
Not quite what you were talking about, but I think you’ll agree it’s related.
You are so right about children growing up too soon. Not only are positive family values not being taught in far too many homes, but children spend a lot of time with those avatars that teach them violence is the norm. And, if I was raising a child today, there is no way they would be on Facebook. Too many perverts out there. Parents are putting their own children at risk. Once they become teens, the parents will shake their heads and wonder why they are out of control. All of this is part of the downfall of our country.
I so enjoy this show as well, and especially liked this episode too. The show is honest and seems so much more like real life than so many that are on these days.
I usually find myself watching PBS more than any station these days because I like what’s offered. I have mostly turned off the regular stations because of the shows that have NO value in my opinion. We don’t have cable because we really don’t watch much TV at all.
I did see the opening episode and thought it might be an interesting series, but I haven’t been able to watch any since for a variety of conflicting reasons.
I certainly agree that for too many years a combination of social/environmental forces cause our children to “grow up” much earlier than what I think of as best. The facts also are that physically these children are also maturing into young adults at a much earlier age than in my generation. Parents are strongly challenged to cope with these factors whatever their desire, intent and strong beliefs may be on the subject.
I’m glad to not be parenting today, but then maybe my mother said the same when she thought of her own parenting days with her children compared to faster paced life when my children were young. Of course, by today’s standards my life was probably slow — no computers and all this other instant tech equipment and so many kids with cell phones today.
I watched this show a couple times and liked it, but can never remember when it’s on. I missed that episode, but I so agree with the way she handled the situation. I no longer have children, but I enjoy reading about and watching programs that show how parents teach theirs.
We have never seen this show on Dutch TV. I agree with Jay, that if parents start to dress their little girls in dresses meant for adult women and allow them to wear make-up, they are asking for problems.
Anyway I am glad that my children are grown-ups now. Raising teenagers is a very difficult job. They have a right to privacy and yet you can’t condone indecent behaviour.
Thanks for your visit and birthday wishes.
I have never seen this program, but living in a house of boys (one of which is almost a teen! Ahhh!) it looks like I should start!
I like this show very much and try not to miss it. The writing is very good and all the actors are very good, too. Juliana Marguiles is wonderful in the series and it is great to see her back on TV in a “quality” show. As to the particular episode you write about and her solution to her NOT wanting her son to have visitors in his bedroom with the door closed and the Computer….It seems to me it was much more complex than that. To me, it is very interesting that her son is trying to protect his mother and his father with the ‘investigating’ he has been doing. This was another componant of what he was doing on the Internet and with the young lady visitor in his room….To me, it makes the whole situation more dynamic…more grays, if you will, as appossed to everything being Black and White…Because in truth, nothing is simple and most things are not clear, as this and other episodes have shown. Everybody’s integrity is on the line in the “THE GOOD WIFE”. Everyone. The people at the Law firm, the wife and the husbands integrity, the kids, and even the Grandmother too…To me, this is what makes this show so very very interesting and on a higher level than so many other shows on TV now. Many aspects of ‘integrity’ are constantly being dealt with in “THE GOOD WIFE” amd I like that a lot. As to all the questions and “shoulds” connected with kids—I honestly don’t know because I think so much depends on all the values that kids grow up with these days and those values do begin in the home. It certainly does seem as if kids are grwoing up much faster than they did when I was growing up: BTW, Radio is what was available when I was a kid, and we did have Radios in our rooms and the doors to our rooms could be closed and were….
I think the Jack-Is-Out-Of-The-Box and I don’t think it can be put back anymore where kids are concerned. The Internet as well as TV and Movies have all made that almost impossible. So, again, it is the values that are taught and observed in the home that are the most important thing one can pass on or instill in your children, in my opinion. An interesting topic Dorothy…and I hope it is okay to disagree with you and yet still come and read you and Vica Versa…!
I’ve never heard of that show before, Grandma D! I don’t think we have it over here!
Well, I am glad that not ALL things showing on t.v. are trashy no-good trash!
hahaahahahaha!
I like the Betty Boop graphic! I love Betty Boop!
I really think that if families in America start adapting the family values of many other cultures throughout Europe and Asia, parenting wouldn’t be such a “thing to figure out.”
Just grow up with closeness and much love!
In many countries in Europe and Asia, people wonder why Americans have such a hard time figuring out how to be “good parents” when it should just be a second nature….like a heartbeat….something natural.
Perhaps it is the American society that makes it so hard, over there.
You’ve struck a chord with this post. For me, you’re preaching to the choir. I’ve yet to spring for cable or satellite TV in my home for the reasons you mention. Alas, it is difficult in this day and age to keep the breaks on one’s children as society continually tries to propel them into a premature adulthood.
Thanks for visiting my place, BTW, and
Cheers.
I love THE GOOD WIFE and would not miss it for the world. That episode hit me especially as well because I would never had expected that example coming out of Hollywood. It was exactly what a parent should do but where do we ever see that happen these days? My children were little and I told them not to eat their Halloween candy until I could check it. I caught them eating it and they looked at me in shock as I gathered up the candy and took it outside to the dumpster. That one lesson made an impression early on and my kids always knew I meant business.
Wow that sounds like a great lesson. I’ve never seen that show.
Ladies I love the different opinions it gives me something to think about as to my opinions, thus keep your ideas and opinions coming I’m learning more every day.
Dorothy from grammology
Hi Dorothy
Thank you so much for your comment on my Switzerland blog. Could you read all that story? ….*smile*…
Nice to meet you.
Susanne
Sue’s Daily Photography
It sounds like TV shows are finally getting some sensible writers!
I do watch this show and was delighted, empowered, and validated in my decisions with my 12 year old daughter when the computer landed on the kitchen table and despite the boys grumblings, the “good wife” stood her ground. I reveled!
My daughter doesn’t have internet access, nor does she have a cell phone; all her friends have free range internet and texting! absurdly reckless parenting. My daughter understands my concerns and we have no problems with rebellion.
Oh I absolutely LOVE the show The Good Wife!Julianna Marguiles is AMAZING in this role!
And PS:
No teenagers are allowed in my house with the door closed! Not now, not ever!
You would think living in this modern world would make it a safer place to be, but it’s the opposite I’m afraid, and a closer eye is needed to keep the young ones in todays world safe from the dangers that can be so easily accessed from home now, never mind outside.
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I just had a situation last weekend with my neighbor’s son who does chores for me. I called his mother — who had the good grace to be appalled — and we discussed it and worked out the problem and then he and I discussed trust and respect for my standards. http://www.affiliate-people-search.ws I was so glad that his mother was not one of the “my little darling can do no wrong” school of thought” that seens to become so prevalent these days. I received a very sincere apology. And his mom was thrilled that I was willing to work with her because he thinks so much of me and I’m a good influence on him. I like this
teen and have great hopes for him and I’m happy to help.
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Dear Dorothy, I LOVE this. I don’t watch TV or even own one but I loved what you wrote here about the mother saying, “Your 14 and you have no privacy.” I think for so many things this needs to be true. And in this case it really sits right with me. I think too many parents nowadays are too afraid to put their foot down. Or if they put it down they do it in the wrong ways.
I actually hear parents say, “Well, I couldn’t do that because he (their son/daughter) would get so angry with me.” And I say SO? And as we discuss it, it comes down to the parents admitting that they fear their kids won’t love them anymore. WOW!!! That is an emotion that HAS to be set aside and the parent HAS to be bigger and stronger than the child. It’s like tough love.
The kid may scream and carry on and even say they hate the parent, but that is just a way of trying to get their own way. And what they want may NOT be healthy for them and they many NOT have the skills to yet know what is healthy for them. It takes guts to be a parent (as you know so well). But I think this whole concept applies to any relationship, even marriages/friendships/families, etc. Sometimes we just have to be strong and stand firm.
Sometimes tough love is the MOST healing thing of all for everyone involved. It sends a clear message to the other person, child or adult. And it teaches us to believe in ourselves and to REALLY love those we LOVE. Loving is NOT always about giving the other person what they want or telling them what they want to hear, or being what they want us to be. True loving is listening to hearts and standing strong and being brave.
Thank you for sharing this. I too would want to jump in that TV and hug the person who did the show.
Many many blessings to you dear beautiful soul. I am running very slow these days due to all my book related work but it is SOOOOOOOOO good to “see” you again. I just hugged you deeply every time I read your precious comments on my blog; they are wise, insightful loving and compassionate. Bless you soooooooo much and thank you for the love. You are remarkable lady. One who moves my heart. Love, Robin
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