Leave It To Beaver and Parenting - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

GeeBee · 07-24-2004, 04:35 PM

When I watch the old episodes of LITB, I'm amazed at how the show was so ahead of its time in philosophies on parenting and the damage that bad parenting can do to children.

Did you ever notice that the kids who were the most obnoxious, self centered, or disobedient usually had the parents who were too extreme in their roles of authority? Lumpy Rutherford was a bully, an underachiever, and a follower. His father called him names like "boob", never considered his feelings, threatened to give him a fat lip, and once bragged about how he smacked him in the mouth. Eddie Haskell was two-faced and underhanded. He once talked about how his father would have smacked him in the face for something and you got the feeling that Eddie's deceit may have been a way of dealing with fear. Then there was Larry. He was greedy, selfish, and was often the quickest to want to break the rules and cover it up. Larry's unseen father often sounded like an ogre. In one episode, Larry said that his father hit him for something he didn't do and then said that it would teach a lesson for when he did do something. Larry's mother never seemed to really understand her son and seemed to believe the answer to every problem was having her husband home to "give it to him." The only exception may have been Gilbert. Gilbert could be rotten, but it was never exactly clear how dysfunctional his home was. Early on, they did mention some reasons that Gilbert may have been troubled, but the development of his character came late in the show and had an inconsistent history.

Anyway, compare all of that to Wally and Beaver. They did things wrong (it would have been unrealistic and boring if they didn't), but they always had a conscience about it and would always try to make amends. Their parents had rules, set limits, implemented punishments, but they always balanced it with trying to understand their children, knowing when to pick their battles, and admitting when they made mistakes and not being afraid to tell their children that they were sorry.

So, that's what I interpret LITB as trying to say. Bully, hit, and insult your children and you'll get brats that you can't trust. Balance discipline with love and understanding and you'll get children with a conscience who care about what you have to say.

Of course, there's also the other danger in being too permissive, which was never really shown on LITB, but the important thing is that the main characters strived for the right balance. Sadly, today, no one would take a show like LITB seriously. If such a show was made today, the main characters would be one of the dysfunctional families like the Mandellos or Rutherfords, all the laughs would come from how parents belittle their children and children disrespect their parents. If the Cleavers even existed in the show today, they'd be some minor characters that everyone laughed at for being goody-goodies. LITB was a once in a lifetime show.

Mijada · 07-24-2004, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GeeBee

So, that's what I interpret LITB as trying to say. Bully, hit, and insult your children and you'll get brats that you can't trust. Balance discipline with love and understanding and you'll get children with a conscience who care about what you have to say.

I agree with this statement 100%.

1954Boomer · 07-26-2004, 07:26 AM

Well said, GeeBee!

Michael [hXc] · 07-26-2004, 01:26 PM

Very interesting post

What I agree with the most about spanking your kids is that if you are brought up in a household that spanks when you do something wrong, then you will never have the courage to come to your parents when you do something wrong. All spanking does is make kids afraid to come to their parents.

Sterling Holobyte · 07-26-2004, 01:39 PM

Everything in moderation.
I think spanking is ok. As long as it is a spank, and not a beating. And be clear to them why they are being spanked.

Michael [hXc] · 07-26-2004, 01:52 PM

I think when spanking is necessary, you should take 1 good swat on the butt. Not pounding them repeatedly until they cry. Just 1 good smack.

Sterling Holobyte · 07-26-2004, 04:24 PM

I concur.

comet97 · 07-26-2004, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Avril's Sk8er Boi
Very interesting post What I agree with the most about spanking your kids is that if you are brought up in a household that spanks when you do something wrong, then you will never have the courage to come to your parents when you do something wrong. All spanking does is make kids afraid to come to their parents.

I like the way that was written,and couldn't agree more!
As a babyboomer, I get more from LITB than any other sitcom. I guess that's why I watch it so often. It teaches!
It directs! It neurishes the soul!
It always makes me Smile! ;-)
When I hear the opening theme jingle…I get in a good mood,and that feels great!

The more I watch this series…the more I love it. Any of it.
So glad I decided to tape as any as I could. I now have 108 eppies taped.
They'll be no Beaver withdrawell in our house,if TVLand drops the show.
Gee,if my wrist didn't hurt from typing,…I could write about this show all nght my friends. (smiling)

… Jimmy D.

1954Boomer · 07-27-2004, 09:18 AM

I agree with you wholeheartedly, comet97! Isn't it amazing how a show that some of us---myself included---can watch this show over and over again and never tire of it? I personally can remember watching this show when I was a young kid, and it has been a LONG time since I have been a young kid. Lol! Yet, no matter how many times I've seen the same episodes, I still look forward to it! There are very few shows that have "rewatchability," that's for sure.

comet97 · 07-27-2004, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1954Boomer
I agree with you wholeheartedly, comet97! Isn't it amazing how a show that some of us---myself included---can watch this show over and over again and never tire of it? I personally can remember watching this show when I was a young kid, and it has been a LONG time since I have been a young kid. Lol! Yet, no matter how many times I've seen the same episodes, I still look forward to it! There are very few shows that have "rewatchability," that's for sure.

You said it Boomer! "rewatchability"
How true my friend. That's a good word to use. I can even 'hear' something 'new' on those eps ,if I pop in a tape and just have the sound in the background while using my Webtv on. hmm.

I 'NEVER' seem to tire of them!
…odd huh?
btw, I'm also growing more fondly of The Andy Griffith Show lately Boomer. I look forward that series now.

Jimmy D.

Michael [hXc] · 07-27-2004, 01:55 PM

I love the Andy Griffith Show. Every episode ends in a lesson and gives you something to think about when you get out into life. But the episodes are fun packed at the same time. LITB and the Andy Griffith Show are two great shows. Timeless.

Waterston_Fan · 08-09-2007, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeeBee

When I watch the old episodes of LITB, I'm amazed at how the show was so ahead of its time in philosophies on parenting and the damage that bad parenting can do to children.

Did you ever notice that the kids who were the most obnoxious, self centered, or disobedient usually had the parents who were too extreme in their roles of authority? Lumpy Rutherford was a bully, an underachiever, and a follower. His father called him names like "boob", never considered his feelings, threatened to give him a fat lip, and once bragged about how he smacked him in the mouth. Eddie Haskell was two-faced and underhanded. He once talked about how his father would have smacked him in the face for something and you got the feeling that Eddie's deceit may have been a way of dealing with fear. Then there was Larry. He was greedy, selfish, and was often the quickest to want to break the rules and cover it up. Larry's unseen father often sounded like an ogre. In one episode, Larry said that his father hit him for something he didn't do and then said that it would teach a lesson for when he did do something. Larry's mother never seemed to really understand her son and seemed to believe the answer to every problem was having her husband home to "give it to him." The only exception may have been Gilbert. Gilbert could be rotten, but it was never exactly clear how dysfunctional his home was. Early on, they did mention some reasons that Gilbert may have been troubled, but the development of his character came late in the show and had an inconsistent history.

Anyway, compare all of that to Wally and Beaver. They did things wrong (it would have been unrealistic and boring if they didn't), but they always had a conscience about it and would always try to make amends. Their parents had rules, set limits, implemented punishments, but they always balanced it with trying to understand their children, knowing when to pick their battles, and admitting when they made mistakes and not being afraid to tell their children that they were sorry.

So, that's what I interpret LITB as trying to say. Bully, hit, and insult your children and you'll get brats that you can't trust. Balance discipline with love and understanding and you'll get children with a conscience who care about what you have to say.

Of course, there's also the other danger in being too permissive, which was never really shown on LITB, but the important thing is that the main characters strived for the right balance. Sadly, today, no one would take a show like LITB seriously. If such a show was made today, the main characters would be one of the dysfunctional families like the Mandellos or Rutherfords, all the laughs would come from how parents belittle their children and children disrespect their parents. If the Cleavers even existed in the show today, they'd be some minor characters that everyone laughed at for being goody-goodies. LITB was a once in a lifetime show.

When you mention it, it does make sense... I never really thought much of why they say, dad will hit me or something like that...

catlover79 · 08-09-2007, 12:37 AM

I agree 100% with everyone's comments. How much better this world would be today if more people were like the Cleavers.

Torgo · 08-09-2007, 10:48 AM

I agree with pretty much everything you said, except for Eddie. I don't think Eddie feared his dad at all, when Eddie's father was shown(played by the different actors)He was always shown as kind and understanding, and for the most part misunderstood Eddie(especially the episode where Wally goes and talks to Mr Haskell about Eddie, I think in the episode where Eddie moves out )
As we know Eddie liked to tell stories(as Ward would put it- "It's part of his being a character.") From the different episodes I was always given the idea that Eddie was giving a false impression of his home life. I think Eddie was treated very well at home but for whatever Eddie's reasons didn't want to admit it. Eddie led everyone to believe his father was totally okay with him going on the fishing ship for the summer, almost as if the dad wanted to get rid of him. But in reality that wasn't the case at all.

07-24-2004, 04:35 PM	#1
GeeBee Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 22, 2003 Posts: 1,578	Leave It To Beaver and Parenting When I watch the old episodes of LITB, I'm amazed at how the show was so ahead of its time in philosophies on parenting and the damage that bad parenting can do to children. Did you ever notice that the kids who were the most obnoxious, self centered, or disobedient usually had the parents who were too extreme in their roles of authority? Lumpy Rutherford was a bully, an underachiever, and a follower. His father called him names like "boob", never considered his feelings, threatened to give him a fat lip, and once bragged about how he smacked him in the mouth. Eddie Haskell was two-faced and underhanded. He once talked about how his father would have smacked him in the face for something and you got the feeling that Eddie's deceit may have been a way of dealing with fear. Then there was Larry. He was greedy, selfish, and was often the quickest to want to break the rules and cover it up. Larry's unseen father often sounded like an ogre. In one episode, Larry said that his father hit him for something he didn't do and then said that it would teach a lesson for when he did do something. Larry's mother never seemed to really understand her son and seemed to believe the answer to every problem was having her husband home to "give it to him." The only exception may have been Gilbert. Gilbert could be rotten, but it was never exactly clear how dysfunctional his home was. Early on, they did mention some reasons that Gilbert may have been troubled, but the development of his character came late in the show and had an inconsistent history. Anyway, compare all of that to Wally and Beaver. They did things wrong (it would have been unrealistic and boring if they didn't), but they always had a conscience about it and would always try to make amends. Their parents had rules, set limits, implemented punishments, but they always balanced it with trying to understand their children, knowing when to pick their battles, and admitting when they made mistakes and not being afraid to tell their children that they were sorry. So, that's what I interpret LITB as trying to say. Bully, hit, and insult your children and you'll get brats that you can't trust. Balance discipline with love and understanding and you'll get children with a conscience who care about what you have to say. Of course, there's also the other danger in being too permissive, which was never really shown on LITB, but the important thing is that the main characters strived for the right balance. Sadly, today, no one would take a show like LITB seriously. If such a show was made today, the main characters would be one of the dysfunctional families like the Mandellos or Rutherfords, all the laughs would come from how parents belittle their children and children disrespect their parents. If the Cleavers even existed in the show today, they'd be some minor characters that everyone laughed at for being goody-goodies. LITB was a once in a lifetime show.

07-26-2004, 01:26 PM	#4
Michael [hXc] dying. Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 29, 2004 Posts: 8,532	Very interesting post What I agree with the most about spanking your kids is that if you are brought up in a household that spanks when you do something wrong, then you will never have the courage to come to your parents when you do something wrong. All spanking does is make kids afraid to come to their parents.
	__________________ I'm scared now...is this working out? When my voice is on the way, Who's to think about? I'm scared one day I'll say, "I don't love this anymore," Turn my back on all my fans... Who's to think about? The brighter I shine, the darker my shadows. And they pull me behind, as I let off the pedal. Why should I divide what feels so right? Is this where I want to lay?

08-09-2007, 12:37 AM	#13
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I agree 100% with everyone's comments. How much better this world would be today if more people were like the Cleavers.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

07-26-2004, 07:26 AM	#3
1954Boomer Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jun 18, 2003 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 482	Well said, GeeBee!

07-26-2004, 01:39 PM	#5
Sterling Holobyte Harper House Senior Member Join Date: Nov 07, 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,896	Everything in moderation. I think spanking is ok. As long as it is a spank, and not a beating. And be clear to them why they are being spanked.

07-26-2004, 01:52 PM	#6
Michael [hXc] dying. Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 29, 2004 Posts: 8,532	I think when spanking is necessary, you should take 1 good swat on the butt. Not pounding them repeatedly until they cry. Just 1 good smack.

07-26-2004, 04:24 PM	#7
Sterling Holobyte Harper House Senior Member Join Date: Nov 07, 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,896	I concur.

07-27-2004, 09:18 AM	#9
1954Boomer Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jun 18, 2003 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 482	I agree with you wholeheartedly, comet97! Isn't it amazing how a show that some of us---myself included---can watch this show over and over again and never tire of it? I personally can remember watching this show when I was a young kid, and it has been a LONG time since I have been a young kid. Lol! Yet, no matter how many times I've seen the same episodes, I still look forward to it! There are very few shows that have "rewatchability," that's for sure.

07-27-2004, 01:55 PM	#11
Michael [hXc] dying. Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 29, 2004 Posts: 8,532	I love the Andy Griffith Show. Every episode ends in a lesson and gives you something to think about when you get out into life. But the episodes are fun packed at the same time. LITB and the Andy Griffith Show are two great shows. Timeless.

08-09-2007, 10:48 AM	#14
Torgo Omaha & Fritz Forum Star Join Date: Mar 06, 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 19,033	I agree with pretty much everything you said, except for Eddie. I don't think Eddie feared his dad at all, when Eddie's father was shown(played by the different actors)He was always shown as kind and understanding, and for the most part misunderstood Eddie(especially the episode where Wally goes and talks to Mr Haskell about Eddie, I think in the episode where Eddie moves out ) As we know Eddie liked to tell stories(as Ward would put it- "It's part of his being a character.") From the different episodes I was always given the idea that Eddie was giving a false impression of his home life. I think Eddie was treated very well at home but for whatever Eddie's reasons didn't want to admit it. Eddie led everyone to believe his father was totally okay with him going on the fishing ship for the summer, almost as if the dad wanted to get rid of him. But in reality that wasn't the case at all.