There are all sorts of bad dads on TV today. Take Walter White from “Breaking Bad” – he stays out all hours of the night manufacturing meth, which won’t win him any Father of the Year awards.
Somehow, he still manages to raise a kind and respectful teenage son (only on television could such horrible parenting result in a model citizen like Walt Jr.). There are a few shows, however, that accurately portray the many complexities involved in being a dad of teens. Let’s take a look:
TV Dad Phil on ‘Modern Family’
Teenage girls present their own unique difficulties that often stump otherwise-adept parents. “Modern Family” characters Haley and Alex are perfect evidence of this. The two frequently find themselves testing the boundaries set by Phil, a dad who struggles with discipline. But, over the course of the series, we see this loving dad transform.
Phil comes up with an effective way to teach his teenager daughters about consequences by thinking up punishments that fit the crime. These punishments are not too harsh, but they also do not involve Haley and Alex walking all over Phil.
TV Dad Burt on ‘Glee’
You’d think there would be nothing realistic at all about a show in which characters dance down the school hallways while singing show-choir versions of their favorite songs. But, when it comes to the prospect of raising a teen, “Glee” is spot on.
This show’s best lessons about parenting teenagers comes in the form of Burt Hummel, the single father of New Directions member Kurt Hummel. Burt finds himself conflicted over the revelation of his son’s sexual orientation.
Although he’s initially uncomfortable to learn his son is gay, Burt ultimately is loving enough to work through his discomfort and develop an even closer relationship with his child. In fact, Burt went so far as to give Kurt the “sex talk,” even though he was incredibly nervous and had no idea what to say. Burt’s version of the sex talk remained both loving and informative.
TV Dad George on ‘Suburgatory’
Another show that offers a glimpse into the difficulties faced by single parents, “Suburgatory” follows teen Tessa and her father George into a “Stepford Wives”-style suburb following their move from New York City. Despite the perfect veneer of her surroundings, Tessa quickly learns there’s a darker side to those perfect lawns and homes.
On the other hand, while her relationship with her dad is anything but perfect, Tessa always knows George is looking out for her and has her best interests at heart. Although “Suburgatory” can be seen as slightly Disney-ish, it still offers a great look at the difficulties faced by today’s single parents.
Who’s your favorite TV dad of today? If you’re not familiar with these characters, you can catch up on missed episodes or entire seasons of these shows with the Direct TV offers available on the Web. So which TV dad do you think gets it right? Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.
