Quote From: lynne415I was only able to see Part I of these episodes, At first I felt quite smug in that I was not like any of those mothers on the show, but then as I watched the entire show, I had a "light bulb" moment and it occured to me that indeed I used to display some of those exact tendency. I may not aspire to have my child be a star, but I did some of the same things when it comes to my child's homework especially when it came to any type of school projects. I wanted him to do the best, which translated into him "....being the best." I have perfectionistic tendencies and when I used to sit down to "help" my child, I wasn't helping him, I was trying to make him do things that wasn't who he was.
Both my son and I have worked through the issues, and he now lets me know when he needs my help and what I can do. I also know my triggers and I back off. In fact, I can happily say my son has done all his own work this year in school and by no means were they the best in the class but they were really good. Most importantly, he was so proud that he had done the projects and work all by himself.
So before we judge these parents harshly and feel smug in our own parenting styles, do a self-inventory as well as take a look around. How many time do we see parents like this in our schools and at sporting events. You could put other parents in this house and call it "Make My Kid a Genius" or "Make My Kid a Super Athlete" etc. The harm that can be done to the children would be very similar.
I agree. I think Gracie's mother was judged less harshly because her child had more talent. If a child "makes" it in Hollywood or on Broadway, or the world of sports, then their parents are thought of as encouraging, and motivating and sacrificing. Just recently I was watching a episode on Oprah and they clapped for the mother of the boy that made it in the movie "Hairspray" for moving to Hollywood for her son to pursue his dream. Had he not landed the part, we would have thought she was crazy. And how many times do we see parents of children in sports. Think of the Olympic gymnasts and how young they are, and away from home. But if the children "make" it, parents are perceived differently.
