Parenthood (1989)
Synopsis:
Parenthood follows the Buckman family, led by Gil and Karen, as they navigate the ups and downs of raising children. Gil, a sales executive, struggles to balance his career with his responsibilities as a father. His wife, Karen, supports him while managing their three kids. Gil's siblings also face their own parenting challenges. Helen, a single mother, deals with her teenage daughter's rebellious phase and her young son's emotional needs. Meanwhile, Susan and her husband Nathan are focused on their daughter's education, often clashing over their differing approaches. Larry, the youngest sibling, returns home with financial troubles and a young son, adding to the family's dynamic. The film explores the various situations and humorous mishaps the Buckmans encounter as they try to keep their family together amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Where To Watch: Parenthood
Parental Feedback
Parenthood, released in 1989, is a comedy-drama that explores the complexities of family life, making it a movie for teens. The film is known for its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, capturing the ups and downs of parenting and growing up. Most parents appreciate its realistic portrayal of family dynamics, though some are cautious about its mature themes.
Why Teens Should Watch Parenthood
Parenthood is praised for its authentic depiction of family relationships and the challenges of growing up.
- Highlights the importance of family support and understanding.
- Steve Martin's character provides a relatable and humorous perspective on parenting.
- Teens enjoy the film's balance of comedy and drama, making it engaging and thought-provoking.
- Offers a realistic look at the struggles and joys of family life.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Parenthood
Some parents express concerns about the film's mature themes and emotional intensity.
- Explores complex family issues that may be emotionally challenging.
- Includes scenes of marital conflict and stress that might be unsettling.
- Some humor may be too mature for younger teens.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to its exploration of complex family dynamics.
What Parents Should Know About Parenthood
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film delves into themes of parenting challenges, marital issues, and the pressures of family life. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | Some risky behaviors, such as arguments and stress, are shown but are addressed within the family context. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | Steve Martin's character evolves from a stressed parent to someone who appreciates the chaos and joy of family life. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | The film portrays traditional family roles but also highlights the evolving dynamics and challenges within a family. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | Scenes involving family conflicts and resolutions can encourage discussions about communication and empathy. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parenthood is generally well-received for its honest and humorous take on family life, with Steve Martin's performance being a standout. While some parents appreciate its realistic portrayal of family dynamics, others caution about its mature themes. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience for teens. For those seeking similar content, films like "The Family Stone" or "Little Miss Sunshine" may also be of interest.
Official Parenthood Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Parenthood
Parenthood's most common core values include Family love, Conflict resolution, and Emotional growth. Teens in the movie find themselves learning the importance of family Love, as each member of the Buckman family comes together to support one another through difficult times. Conflict resolution plays a key role as characters face various challenges and must find ways to work through their differences. Emotional growth is evident as they all navigate their feelings, helping each other to better understand themselves and their relationships.
Family love shines brightly through the Buckman family dynamics. For example, when Helen supports her teenage daughter, these moments show how love and understanding can bring family members closer. In the realm of conflict resolution, Gil and Karen often disagree but work hard to communicate and reach a solution that considers their children's needs. Emotional growth is reflected as the Buckman siblings reflect on their actions and choices, acknowledging their mistakes and striving to improve their parenting styles.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Appreciating what you have | Being a good parent | Building confidence. | Building trust | Caring for others | Empathy | Forgiveness | Growth mindset | Honesty | Letting go | Love | Making good choices | Patience | Perseverance | Problem-solving | Responsibility. | Self-discovery | Self-expression | Self-worth | Standing up for what's right | Taking responsibility. | Trust | Valuing hard work. | Working through conflict
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Parenthood
Importance of Family: The movie highlights the significance of family support, showing how the Buckman family rallies together in times of need, even when faced with individual struggles and disagreements. Their unwavering presence for one another underscores the strength of familial bonds.
Accepting Yourself: Characters in the movie journey towards self-acceptance, particularly Helen's teenage daughter, who learns to embrace her individuality despite the challenges she faces during her rebellious phase. This theme encourages viewers, especially teens, to value their unique qualities.
Letting Go of Control: Gil's struggle with wanting to control every aspect of his children's lives leads him to discover the importance of letting go and allowing them to grow independently. This lesson teaches parents and kids alike the value of flexibility and trust.
Learning from Mistakes: The film emphasizes learning from one’s mistakes, as seen through the Buckman family's various mishaps. Characters reflect on their actions, acknowledge their shortcomings, and strive to improve, showcasing growth and resilience.
Practicing Empathy: Empathy is a recurring theme, particularly as family members strive to understand each other's perspectives and emotions. By practicing empathy, they strengthen their relationships and resolve conflicts more effectively.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Differences | Supporting Personal Growth | Valuing Deep Connection | Being Honest | Choosing Forgiveness
Why Kids Love Parenthood
Kids dive headfirst into a world bursting with chaos, humor, and unexpected twists as they follow the Buckman family through their day-to-day shenanigans. The movie is filled with scenes where siblings find themselves in awkward situations, sparking laughter and the thrill of trying to wiggle out of trouble. These moments invite kids to enjoy the fun of seeing characters deal with comically chaotic scenarios, like mix-ups at school or bungling attempts to fix household mishaps. The blend of humor and everyday challenges gives a feeling of adventure to the seemingly ordinary lives of the Buckmans, making it a captivating ride.
The excitement reaches a peak as the movie showcases teamwork triumphs and the joy of making new friends. Young viewers are intrigued by how the siblings, each with their quirks, join forces to tackle challenges thrown their way, whether it’s helping a peer in distress or tackling a tricky problem, using their creativity and wits. Adventure and hilarity ensue as unconventional friendships form, and kids see how being different is a superpower rather than a setback. With surprise-filled discoveries and plenty of laughs, the movie turns family-life chaos into a celebration of fun, where everyone finds their role in the family team.