I think their parenting was pretty fair. However, there are two instances that come to mind where situations could have been solved differently:

Beaver Won't Eat (Brussels Sprouts:) June made too big a deal about this. As a kid and to this day to give you an example of my own, I can't stand the smell or sight of green peas. They make me very nauseous and I would choke and throw up if I had to eat them. Why couldn't June had just found out some vegetables that Beaver liked and serve those?

The Visiting Aunt: Aunt Martha comes and the boys have to cancel their carnival plans. To begin, I can't stand Aunt Martha. I find her domineering, arrogant, and controlling. What June saw in her growing up I have no idea. Her ways were just too manipulative. I know that back in the 50's-60's and prior to that, some families would be so insisting that kids had to be there when the relatives came. You would literally have to postpone your own funeral to be there to say "hi" to elderly people.

Ward's speech at the end is very nice about "sometimes having to make yourself a little unhappy, in order to make other people happy." But would it really have been a catastrophic calamity if Martha and Mrs. Hathaway her friend came over, and June or Ward could have said, "The boys are sorry they couldn't be here Aunt Martha, but two weeks ago they got tickets for the carnival and were so excited about going?

I mean, Chester, Lumpy, and Tooey, had plans to go to the carnival with Wally and Beaver. That's three other people that were made unhappy, all because of Aunt Martha. It's like the rights and happiness of the adults in those days takes precedence over the rights of the kids. I guess that's how it was back than.

Jack

The Brussels Sprouts episode I agree, June went a bit too far but that's how the episode was written. I think they had to have June make a big deal over the Brussels Sprouts to set up the scene in the restaurant, where guess what, Brussels Sprouts are served. What a coincidence. :lol: The second example you mention is all about respect for your elders, something that is totally non-existant in the hooligan youth of today. From Ward and June's point of view, what they were trying to teach Wally and Beaver is, "there will be another day for the carnival, but it's not often Aunt Martha comes to visit, so cancel your plans this time and stay home, Aunt Martha looks forward to see you boys."

I think their parenting was pretty fair. However, there are two instances that come to mind where situations could have been solved differently:

Beaver Won't Eat (Brussels Sprouts:) June made too big a deal about this. As a kid and to this day to give you an example of my own, I can't stand the smell or sight of green peas. They make me very nauseous and I would choke and throw up if I had to eat them. Why couldn't June had just found out some vegetables that Beaver liked and serve those?

The Visiting Aunt: Aunt Martha comes and the boys have to cancel their carnival plans. To begin, I can't stand Aunt Martha. I find her domineering, arrogant, and controlling. What June saw in her growing up I have no idea. Her ways were just too manipulative. I know that back in the 50's-60's and prior to that, some families would be so insisting that kids had to be there when the relatives came. You would literally have to postpone your own funeral to be there to say "hi" to elderly people.

Ward's speech at the end is very nice about "sometimes having to make yourself a little unhappy, in order to make other people happy." But would it really have been a catastrophic calamity if Martha and Mrs. Hathaway her friend came over, and June or Ward could have said, "The boys are sorry they couldn't be here Aunt Martha, but two weeks ago they got tickets for the carnival and were so excited about going?

I mean, Chester, Lumpy, and Tooey, had plans to go to the carnival with Wally and Beaver. That's three other people that were made unhappy, all because of Aunt Martha. It's like the rights and happiness of the adults in those days takes precedence over the rights of the kids. I guess that's how it was back than.

Jack

PREACH, PREACH. Jack, your right. You have the same first name as me and your right. June did make a big deal out of the brussel sprouts. Let it go. Aunt Martha, I dont remember that episode but I have to watch it to fully understand what your talking about. I also thought June was a pain when the brothers made the pact to do everything together. Im all for family togetherness and hanging out together but not on every single thing that they do. I mean under June's idea, if she had a son and a daughter, she'd probably want them to go the prom together as well. LOL

Now, anybody who reads this section on Leave it to Beaver knows that I took Ward and Junes parenting to class. But I have noticed one thing. It seems like Ward is a little more realistic on certain things. He knew the brotherly pact wouldnt work out. I mean it just seemed like he understood the boys problems a little more than June. What about when Aunt Martha made Beaver wear that stupid suit to school with the beanie hat and the high knee socks. Ward did a very good thing by having a change of clothes in the garage for the Beaver. That was good thing Ward did.

I think June was too tough with the brussel sprouts thing. Its one of the few times she got tought. Lots of times she would worry, and be a bit over motherly.

Now, anybody who reads this section on Leave it to Beaver knows that I took Ward and Junes parenting to class. But I have noticed one thing. It seems like Ward is a little more realistic on certain things. He knew the brotherly pact wouldnt work out. I mean it just seemed like he understood the boys problems a little more than June.

That's because a father can relate to his sons problems better than the mother can, the father was once a boy himself. If Ward and June had daughters instead of sons, June would relate to them better while Ward wouldn't have a clue.

June was actually quite rediculous in both episodes. She told the boys they could go after Martha and her snooty friend left and then SHE insisted that they stay for lunch! That's what made me mad. First she accepted the lousy last minute invitation without consulting any of the men in the family and then she couldn't let the old bat leave when she should have...yes, I said old bat! In Beaver's short pants, Ward was polite as alwys when I would have went to her and said, look here, I'm the boss around here and my son will not leave this house looking like a sissy!:D

June was actually quite rediculous in both episodes. She told the boys they could go after Martha and her snooty friend left and then SHE insisted that they stay for lunch! That's what made me mad. First she accepted the lousy last minute invitation without consulting any of the men in the family and then she couldn't let the old bat leave when she should have...yes, I said old bat! In Beaver's short pants, Ward was polite as alwys when I would have went to her and said, look here, I'm the boss around here and my son will not leave this house looking like a sissy!:D


HAHAHAHA!! Your right on both accounts. She did seem to be overly motherly. You know else got to me. Maybe you guys didnt notice this but did you notice a lot of the times, June kept saying "The boys will get ideas." Uh, well there kids!! What do you want them to do? Just sit there?

Maybe you guys didnt notice this but did you notice a lot of the times, June kept saying "The boys will get ideas." Uh, well there kids!! What do you want them to do? Just sit there?

You have to look at this show from a 1950's point of view, a time when parents actually tried to raise their kids properly, taught them to be decent young people and respect others. Unlike todays parents that don't have time to be bothered to raise their kids properly, there is no discipline anymore so the kids are disrespectful and behave like wild hooligans.

You have to look at this show from a 1950's point of view, a time when parents actually tried to raise their kids properly, taught them to be decent young people and respect others. Unlike todays parents that don't have time to be bothered to raise their kids properly, there is no discipline anymore so the kids are disrespectful and behave like wild hooligans.

Very good point, but I have to laugh at that comment everytime I hear her say it. I think since she and Ward were raising them properly then she should have had more faith that they would do the right thing and most of the time they did. Although Beaver was quite stupid and it took him much longer to learn things - if he ever really did. :D So as far as being concerned about Beaver, I can't blame her there.

June was actually quite rediculous in both episodes. She told the boys they could go after Martha and her snooty friend left and then SHE insisted that they stay for lunch! That's what made me mad. First she accepted the lousy last minute invitation without consulting any of the men in the family and then she couldn't let the old bat leave when she should have...yes, I said old bat! In Beaver's short pants, Ward was polite as alwys when I would have went to her and said, look here, I'm the boss around here and my son will not leave this house looking like a sissy!:D

I think Martha was so arrogant. I don't think she cared for Ward either. I don't see anything about this woman that's warm and loving, or why June would be close to her. Well, actually June would be close to her, because she was raised prim and proper to respect elders.

But than you have Ward's Uncle Billy who ROCKS!!!!! Who wouldn't love the guy? But Beaver learned a strict lesson when he helped Gilbert sneak into the movies without paying. Just because someone is fun and easy going does not give you the right to take advantage of them without facing the consequences of doing that.

With regard to Martha, it was great that Ward went out to the garage so Beaver could change from that ridiculous suit into his casual clothes so he wouldn't be embarrassed at school, (Which he already had been! Wearing that suit the first time!)

And Billy not telling Ward and June about Beaver's trouble at the movies was very kind and loving of him, than explaining to Beaver that he did it, got caught, punished, and said he was sorry. He didn't want hard feelings between Beaver and he, saying that sometimes parents will say over and over that their kids are bad, and than try to live up to that behavior. He said, "I don't want that to happen to my favorite nephew." It's a great scene there, and than Beaver telling Ward and June that the story he told, was "one of the best he ever told."

Jack

For a change, I saw an episode where June was more relaxed and Ward wasnt. It was the episode where Beaver and Wally had to put there money in the bank. Well, Ward basically told them too. June, who I think was right, said there just kids and its there money so they should be able to spend it. Ward kind of flipped out. He said he didnt care what they did with the money, yet wanted to know what they did with it.

Well, Ward flipped his lid when he found out that Beaver and Wally didnt invest there money. Yet, his story changed when he found out that Beaver and Wally bought Ward a hunting jacket with there money. All was right in the world after that.

I think Martha was so arrogant. I don't think she cared for Ward either. I don't see anything about this woman that's warm and loving, or why June would be close to her. Well, actually June would be close to her, because she was raised prim and proper to respect elders.

But than you have Ward's Uncle Billy who ROCKS!!!!! Who wouldn't love the guy? But Beaver learned a strict lesson when he helped Gilbert sneak into the movies without paying. Just because someone is fun and easy going does not give you the right to take advantage of them without facing the consequences of doing that.

With regard to Martha, it was great that Ward went out to the garage so Beaver could change from that ridiculous suit into his casual clothes so he wouldn't be embarrassed at school, (Which he already had been! Wearing that suit the first time!)

And Billy not telling Ward and June about Beaver's trouble at the movies was very kind and loving of him, than explaining to Beaver that he did it, got caught, punished, and said he was sorry. He didn't want hard feelings between Beaver and he, saying that sometimes parents will say over and over that their kids are bad, and than try to live up to that behavior. He said, "I don't want that to happen to my favorite nephew." It's a great scene there, and than Beaver telling Ward and June that the story he told, was "one of the best he ever told."

Jack




Well put

For a change, I saw an episode where June was more relaxed and Ward wasnt. It was the episode where Beaver and Wally had to put there money in the bank. Well, Ward basically told them too. June, who I think was right, said there just kids and its there money so they should be able to spend it. Ward kind of flipped out. He said he didnt care what they did with the money, yet wanted to know what they did with it.

Well, Ward flipped his lid when he found out that Beaver and Wally didnt invest there money. Yet, his story changed when he found out that Beaver and Wally bought Ward a hunting jacket with there money. All was right in the world after that.



Good point, but the look on Ward's face when he saw that coat, and the look and Wally and Beaver's face when he saw the coat. What a sweet moment. It dosent anyone, they need to check and see if they still got a pulse.

Good point, but the look on Ward's face when he saw that coat, and the look and Wally and Beaver's face when he saw the coat. What a sweet moment. It dosent anyone, they need to check and see if they still got a pulse.


Yes, it was a good moment. Very nice and very cool.


I got to say, June was a worry wart. Today, Wally went away to camp and she actually called Ward on the golf course to tell him it looks like rain. The funny part was when Ward said to her "You got my off the golf course for a weather report?" Then June hugs and kisses Wally in front of the boys. Come on. She was worried about the rain and then you see Wally come home and he actually says that mom(June) wants him to stay home today and tomorrow. Its just rain. He looked fine to me.

You have to look at this show from a 1950's point of view, a time when parents actually tried to raise their kids properly, taught them to be decent young people and respect others. Unlike todays parents that don't have time to be bothered to raise their kids properly, there is no discipline anymore so the kids are disrespectful and behave like wild hooligans.

Good point, many people today watch Leave it to Beaver and similar shows from the late 50's and early 60's with a 2012 perspective. In today's world of I pads, I phones,SUV's, DVD's, DVR's lap tops and whatever other electronic devices we have......respect and obedience are forgotten words. I don't blame the kids,there is absolutely no respect even in the most affluent suburban neighborhoods . I blame today's MTV generation parents....they want to be the kids friend not their parent, especially when the parents act and essentially dress like High School kids themselves!

I totally agree about the Brussels sprouts. I don't see why it was such a big deal if he didn't like them and didn't want to eat them. I understand a parent wanting their kids to eat their vegetables, but I don't see what harm it would do if he didn't eat one particular vegetable.

The Aunt Martha coming to visit is really more about the importance of family. She was only there for a little while that one day and she didn't get to see the boys that often. Maybe their friends would have been disappointed if they didn't go to the carnival with them as they had planned, but I'm sure they would have gone and had fun anyway. They were really trying to teach them to respect their elders and learn that family is important. Their aunt was looking forward to seeing them, so it was important for them to be able to see her, even if she wasn't too pleasant of a person. I always thought that they could have let the boys visit for a bit and then excuse themselves saying they had already promised their friends they would go to the carnival with them and wanted to keep their promise though.

Watching this show or maybe many shows like this one from the 50s today would most likely make people wonder what the big deal is about a lot of things the parents were strict on. Today it seems that the parents in these shows were very strict a lot of the time, but it was just how things were back then. Parents were trying to teach their children to be decent, respectful, honest people. They told them to do a lot of things out of respect for someone or because it was the right and decent thing to do. A lot of that seems to not be seen as so important these days, which it was very important back then, so it looks like very strict parents.

Another episode that comes to mind in regards to them being strict is the one where Beaver got good grades on his report card except for PE. His dad was focusing on the not so good grade in PE and making a huge deal out of Beaver not being able to tumble. I don't see what the big deal is if he couldn't tumble. Ward was making Beaver stay out late trying to get him to learn to tumble. As long as Beaver had done the best he could in school and attempted to tumble the best he can, I don't see why it was so important. I thought he should have been happy that Beaver had done so well in all the other subjects, which were all far more important than tumbling. Maybe it was just a lesson to keep trying at something even if you have trouble with it and to not just give up on doing it.

I totally agree about the Brussels sprouts. I don't see why it was such a big deal if he didn't like them and didn't want to eat them. I understand a parent wanting their kids to eat their vegetables, but I don't see what harm it would do if he didn't eat one particular vegetable.

The Aunt Martha coming to visit is really more about the importance of family. She was only there for a little while that one day and she didn't get to see the boys that often. Maybe their friends would have been disappointed if they didn't go to the carnival with them as they had planned, but I'm sure they would have gone and had fun anyway. They were really trying to teach them to respect their elders and learn that family is important. Their aunt was looking forward to seeing them, so it was important for them to be able to see her, even if she wasn't too pleasant of a person. I always thought that they could have let the boys visit for a bit and then excuse themselves saying they had already promised their friends they would go to the carnival with them and wanted to keep their promise though.

Watching this show or maybe many shows like this one from the 50s today would most likely make people wonder what the big deal is about a lot of things the parents were strict on. Today it seems that the parents in these shows were very strict a lot of the time, but it was just how things were back then. Parents were trying to teach their children to be decent, respectful, honest people. They told them to do a lot of things out of respect for someone or because it was the right and decent thing to do. A lot of that seems to not be seen as so important these days, which it was very important back then, so it looks like very strict parents.

Another episode that comes to mind in regards to them being strict is the one where Beaver got good grades on his report card except for PE. His dad was focusing on the not so good grade in PE and making a huge deal out of Beaver not being able to tumble. I don't see what the big deal is if he couldn't tumble. Ward was making Beaver stay out late trying to get him to learn to tumble. As long as Beaver had done the best he could in school and attempted to tumble the best he can, I don't see why it was so important. I thought he should have been happy that Beaver had done so well in all the other subjects, which were all far more important than tumbling. Maybe it was just a lesson to keep trying at something even if you have trouble with it and to not just give up on doing it.


I see your point about the grades and Ward making a big deal out of tumbling (nothing more than a summer-salt, who can't do that?) but to Ward's defense he was a normal father of a son who was not athletically gifted as he and Wally was so I think it bruised his ego that his son couldn't even tumble.

I have posted a lot about the "Visiting Aunts" episode before, and one thing easily overlooked is that after the ladies looked at the photo album, Aunt Martha said, "Well, it's been very nice visiting here, but we really must be on our way." It's then that June stepped in and insisted that they stay for lunch, even though it was almost 12, when the other boys should be arriving to ride to the carnival. Aunt Martha then says, "Well, I would like a little more time with the boys-- unless they have some place to rush off to. Have you?" That's the critical moment, because they boys knew they would get "clobbered" if they told the truth-- meaning they had been taught to lie appear polite-- so instead they timidly replied, "No-- we're not going anywhere at all."

What could have been wrong with them following through with their plans at that time? They got dressed up just for company, they minded their manners, and Aunt Martha actually offered them the chance to go on and do as they wanted. Or perhaps she didn't-- with her long experience in how to appear refined while actually being manipulative, she began by saying, "Well, I would like a little more time with the boys...." then offered the 'out,' which it was understood would have been unbecoming to accept on their parts.

But they still should have taken it, and just hoped the consequences would not be too bad. After all, June thought she wasn't obligated to check if they had plans when Aunt Martha called only about an hour (?) before she would arrive, and Ward said he would take the boys to the carnival. I think it all would have worked out well. The boys still woud have done their 'duty,' June would have gotten to visit over a long lunch with the 2 ladies, which they all might have enjoyed more, while the boys would have kept their agreement with their friends, who were not told anything otherwise. But, like it's been said, what kids wanted or expected didn't count compared to pleasing an elderly relative that June seemed in mortal fear of displeasing.

I have posted a lot about the "Visiting Aunts" episode before, and one thing easily overlooked is that after the ladies looked at the photo album, Aunt Martha said, "Well, it's been very nice visiting here, but we really must be on our way." It's then that June stepped in and insisted that they stay for lunch, even though it was almost 12, when the other boys should be arriving to ride to the carnival. Aunt Martha then says, "Well, I would like a little more time with the boys-- unless they have some place to rush off to. Have you?" That's the critical moment, because they boys knew they would get "clobbered" if they told the truth-- meaning they had been taught to lie appear polite-- so instead they timidly replied, "No-- we're not going anywhere at all."

What could have been wrong with them following through with their plans at that time? They got dressed up just for company, they minded their manners, and Aunt Martha actually offered them the chance to go on and do as they wanted. Or perhaps she didn't-- with her long experience in how to appear refined while actually being manipulative, she began by saying, "Well, I would like a little more time with the boys...." then offered the 'out,' which it was understood would have been unbecoming to accept on their parts.

But they still should have taken it, and just hoped the consequences would not be too bad. After all, June thought she wasn't obligated to check if they had plans when Aunt Martha called only about an hour (?) before she would arrive, and Ward said he would take the boys to the carnival. I think it all would have worked out well. The boys still woud have done their 'duty,' June would have gotten to visit over a long lunch with the 2 ladies, which they all might have enjoyed more, while the boys would have kept their agreement with their friends, who were not told anything otherwise. But, like it's been said, what kids wanted or expected didn't count compared to pleasing an elderly relative that June seemed in mortal fear of displeasing.

Great post!

Jack