Parenting Advice from Downton Abbey (and Huffington Post)

We love Downton Abbey.  We've fallen for it in the same way millions of Americans have.  We simply can't get enough of Lord Grantham, his family, and the staff, especially Anna and Mr. Bates.  We're just in love with them.  We haven't been this smitten (obsessed) with television in a long time. We find ourselves heart broken at the end of an episode and willing to watch them over and over again.

This is why Sunday's Huff Post Parents article 17 Parenting Lessons from 'Downton Abbey' caught my attention.  There are some great perspectives here (ones I wish I'd thought of for sure!).  Here are a few of my favorites:
1. "Grandparents have a crucial role to play in any family as dispensers of wisdom and healers of souls. No one can put a situation into perspective better than someone who has seen seven decades pass. In times of pain and panic, it is the Dowager who is needed most."  I've share repeatedly how important my grandparents have been in my life so I love that this is point #1.  Not to mention that Maggie Smith is devine in this role bringing just the right amount of sarcastic humor.  And who couldn't love Shirley MacLaine in her role as the American grandmother living up to the wacky reputation I adore her for!  
4. "A home is truly only a building, even if it is Downton Abbey. Losing it or any other possessions matters little compared to losing those we love. We did not shed a tear when we thought the family would lose their beloved Downton; the same cannot be said of Sybil's passing."  Home is the people we love and those who we call family.  It's not about blood lines or buildings, it's about those you don't want to live life without.  The only way to teach that lesson is to live it. 

7. "Never underestimate the power of a well-chosen few words. Speaking softly but strongly can have amazing results. The Dowager and Dr. Clarkson chose their words judiciously so that even though Cora's heart was breaking, she was not alone." I have actually begun watching how I choose my words and have no doubt Downton has had an impact.  My words set the tone for the example I set for The Sonish.  I have a responsibility to select them wisely.  

13. "We should teach our children to have faith in the people they love, even at the worst of times, like Anna and Mr. Bates." I adore Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) & have been cheering for them all along.  "For better or for worse" doesn't just apply to marriage, it applies to families and teaching children the importance of not giving up on someone you love is vital to their success.  Of course, teaching children the difference between not giving up and making choices that lead to healthy relationships of all kind is equally important. 

17. "We don't need to like or even approve of everything our children do, but we can still offer encouragement. When our children's passions emerge and they show real enterprise, they need us as their supporters. It is hard not to imagine that someday Robert will be proud of a daughter who is a successful journalist."  I don't always agree with The Sonish and his decisions and that's ok.  There are things I wish he'd do differently but he has to forge his own path.  My role isn't to judge or direct, it's to encourage and teach him that it's ok to try and fail because we'll always be here to help him up.