Rediscovering ‘Parenthood’ in midlife, in this review, Upasana Luthra explores the series’ poignant portrayal of family dynamics, offering valuable insights and discussion points for viewers navigating similar life stages.
I’ve watched countless series and movies on OTT platforms. ‘Parenthood’ is one that goes way back for me – I even watched it on a downloaded CD! I was thrilled to discover it streaming, and now it’s on Netflix.. I’ve recently started rewatching it, and it feels like a space of comfort, like coming home.
The tale is told with seriousness, emotion, and humor. The ensemble cast was chosen perfectly.
Here’s what I think those of us in midlife can glean from this series:
Midlife lessons from ‘Parenthood’
The series delves into a variety of issues that resonate with midlife viewers:
- Adolescence: The grandparents learn to adapt to their grandchildren in the most endearing way. They know when to rein things in and when to spoil them. They encourage their creativity, their freedom, and their explorations. The parents, on the other hand, learn as they go. Some adolescent issues are timeless, but some are specific to the times we live in.
A point for discussion: Older midlifers, if your granddaughter asked you for a loan of Rs. 5,000, would you give it? And if yes, would you also tell her mom (your daughter)?
- Young adults: Sexuality, pronouns, and various abbreviations – can you keep up? Are you wary of what is politically correct and what isn’t? This show takes us inside the spontaneous relationships of young adults and their cousins’ and parents’ reactions to them.
A point for discussion: If your daughter brought home a woman who was her partner, and they wanted to sleep in the same bedroom, would you be okay with that?
- Autism/special needs: As a Special Needs mom, I know how important support is. The family portrayed here is especially willing to learn, pitch in, and help out in every way possible. The spectrum of special needs is vast, and it’s not at all easy to navigate. The instances shown here are very relatable, and one can learn much from them.
A point for discussion: If your partner decided to discipline your autistic son in a way that meant he would miss out on a keenly planned family outing, would you try to convince them otherwise?
- Marriage: The relationships between couples of all ages are illustrated in their entirety. The ups, the downs, the disagreements, and the love. Their attempts to keep the all-too-necessary spark ignited. They encounter a speed bump along the way, and the reactions of the children are those that one can empathize with.
A point for discussion: If you got to know your partner had cheated on you, would you want to discuss it with your teen or adult children?
- Separation & divorce: This is served up in an easy-to-digest form. Parents need to ensure their kids know that their home is open when marriage fails for them, and that they are welcome back anytime. This point should not be a point of contention when a woman is seeking freedom from an abusive marriage. One should be open to discussions, counseling, and therapy if required.
A point for discussion: What would happen if you had to move back with your parents and didn’t have a very stable income?
A warm, fuzzy hug
Beyond what I’ve detailed above, this show, in my opinion, is a warm and fuzzy hug. It’s that favourite blanket on a chilly night. It will make you laugh, cry, question, accept, and yearn for a family like this. Please don’t be daunted by the number of seasons – trust me, you will be wishing for more.
