PeekabooNWA

Moms of the 1980s

Posted on 30. Apr, 2009 by admin in A Dad's View

I look forward to Mother’s Day and the opportunity to show my appreciation to my wife, my mom, and my mother-in-law. I have been very blessed in all three areas. I really could not ask for any more from any of the three women in my life; but, I started wondering about the other moms in my childhood – the 1980’s sitcom moms! In doing so, I came up with my version of the top 10 mamas of the 1980’s.

10. Norma Arnold (Wonder Years) – She was my generation’s Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Cleaver, and Mrs. Brady all rolled up into one. She had her hands full to say the least; but, she handled it with grace.

9. Katherine Papadopolis (Webster) – It is not always easy for a woman to raise a child they did not rear; however, she pulled it off with love, compassion, and determination – but then again, how could you not love Webster?

8. Angela Bower (Who’s the Boss) – She was successful in many areas of her life and that included being a mother to her son and being a mom for Sam (who was the real reason I watched every episode.
7. Elyse Keaton (Family Ties) – Elyse proved there can be balance between a career and family. She was an architect and ran a relatively orderly household; though I think Alex thought he was responsible for that.

6. Harriette Winslow (Family Matters) – Ms. Winslow provided a house and an atmosphere that even Urkle could feel welcomed (for the most part); I am sure the kids I grew up with would have loved hangin out at the Winslows because of Mama Winslow.

5. Peg Bundy (Married with Children) – What can you say about Peg; her sarcasm could not hide the fact that she was indeed a mom that had your back and supported her family, as long as it didn’t mean missing Oprah or Donahue.

4. Roseanne Conner (Roseanne) – I prayed for big Dan because he had to co-parent with the one whose name provided the title of the show. Roseanne may not have been recruited to write a series of parenting books; but, she did love her kiddos – and each of their extreme attitudes.

3. Marge Simpson (Simpsons) – Marge is the only mom that could literally “erase” you if you did not listen (she is a cartoon, after all); for that reason alone, she had to make the list. I am sure if she had her way, Bart would have been walking around without a mouth – Ay caramba, man!

2. Maggie Seaver (Growing Pains) – My favorite show of the 1980’s because of Mike Seaver (the other Mike I wanted to be like); Maggie gets the #2 spot simply because she had to parent Mike.

1. Clair Huxtable (Cosby Show) – Without a doubt my fave mom from the 80’s. She made Thursday nights worth looking forward to. Her matter-of-fact attitude was tempered with that look that could not be misinterpreted by any of her five kids (or Cliff for that matter) that said – I love you; but I will take you out!

My honorable mentions go to Nell Carter (Gimme a Break) and Edna Garrett (Facts of Life). Though they were without child; they make the list for all those mothers that do not have kids of their own; but are called MOM by many. To those of you that fall in this category, I pray a special Mother’s Day blessing to you. The mother in the book of 2nd Kings provides encouragement by reminding us that “as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, (she) will not leave you. I am thankful for my mom always being there for me and that my kids can be assured they will always have their mom’s arms to run to. Please take time to celebrate your Mom this Mothers Day!

Dad’s View by Chris Whitaker. Husband to Cassandra and Father to Ian, Symone, and Chi.