Give Me Five: 5 Of The Many Things I've Learned From Parenthood!

I have always loved a great Family Drama! It started way back with Family; now I was never a tomboy, but I wanted to be Kristy Mcnichol! :)

Then along came Eight Is Enough! I'm one of seven children, so I could relate to the large family, even though my family was the opposite with 5 boys & 2 girls, they had 5 girls & 3 boys. Yikes!

There have been so many great Family Dramas over the years like Sisters, The Cosby Show, The Walton's, and Little House On The Prairie just to name just a few! And though I've loved them all and they've each been great in their own right, none has been as great as Parenthood! The best show on Television aired it's last episode last night, leaving a huge void on Thursday Nights! I can only hope this is not the end of an era, and that new family dramas will rise to take it's place.

I hope you've been watching (and learning) right along with me. One of the greatest parts of great family dramas, is that they will make you think, and hopefully discuss issues they bring up! Here are just a few of the many things I've learned from watching every season & episode of Parenthood;

1. You need Family! 

They can help you get through the difficulties of life, 

as well as celebrate all the great things that happen!

Look to them, Rely on them!

Be there for them!

Show up for them & let them show up for you!

2. Don't be afraid to Talk! 

Even about the tough subjects! 

And don't be afraid to listen! Understanding begins with hearing. 

Here are just some of the Subjects broached on Parenthood: 

Children with Special Needs

Teen Angst

Dating

Teen Sex/Pregnancy

Abortion

School Choice 

Going away to College

Single Parenthood

Substance Abuse

Unwanted/Surprise Pregnancy

Infertility

Adoption

Starting/Building a Business

Adultery/Unfaithfulness

Betrayal 

Divorce

Homosexuality

Friendship

Relationships

Community Service/Politics

Chasing your Dreams

Religion/Beliefs

Moving

Mid life Crisis

Aging Parents

Cancer

Death

Just to name a few of the great conversation starters!

3. We all need Forgiveness!

 In any relationship, no matter how close,

there will come a time when you'll need to be forgiven.

There will also be times when you will need to Forgive.

Neither is easy.

Both are necessary!

We will be hurt. 

It's up to us weather we hold on to that hurt,

or let it go. 

4. Family Traditions are Important! 

or Let your kids Trick or Treat/Believe in Santa as long as they want to! :)

Family Traditions are the best! The big & the small! 

Holiday's, Game Nights, Whatever you want them to be,

Make them. Keep them! 

No matter the size of your family or the age of your kids!

5. Always Keep Learning & Growing! 

You're Never too old to reinvent yourself!

On Parenthood many of the characters started new chapters in their lives, 

weather that was starting a new business or job, or taking up a hobby.

You're never too old/young/anything to try something new!

Try it and see where it leads you!

Well, there you have it, just a sampling of the things I gained from watching this amazing show that ended much too soon if you ask me. Even though I cried during each episode, I can't wait to get the entire series on DVD when it becomes available. (It's only January and I've already asked for it for Christmas!) :) And the most important lesson we can learn is this, life is short & uncertain, so:

 Cherish Your Family!