In today’s reality-driven TV world, we’re bombarded with images of 16-year-old teen moms, kids squabbling with their parents and moms and pops acting a fool. Rarely do we see positive reinforcements of healthy parent-child relationship. But let’ not forget about the era when sitcoms ruled and we were left gawking in admiration at the strong family ties we saw on the screen, wishing to one day be parents like your favorite on-screen mom and pop. So let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on those captivating parents that we all fell in love with.
Cliff & Claire Huxtable, The Cosby Show
Who didn’t love the Huxtables? Every black household—and plenty non-Black—tuned in to catch a glimpse of what a strong family unit looked like. Whether they were discussing the birds and the bees, life decisions, or Cliff was making his kiddies laugh with his silly antics, it was clear that Dr. Heathcliff and Claire wanted nothing but the best for Vanessa, Rudy, Theo and Denise.
Carl & Harriett Winslow, Family Matters
No matter the circumstance, Carl and Harriette always kept the Winslows in order. They nurtured their seeds with time, love and wisdom, and made sure they were raised with solid morals that they carried with them even when their parents weren’t around. Though he was a clumsy pain-in-the-butt, Urkel got a lot of love from Harriette and Big Guy too.
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Floyd Henderson, Smart Guy
Although he was a whiz kid, T.J. still made a few careless mistakes every once in a while (like the time he linked up with a stranger he met online to buy knockoff computer games). Every time he found himself in a jam, Floyd was right there to bail him out and make sure his lesson was learned. Let’s not forget about the many more sermons Mr. Henderson ditched out to Vanessa and especially Marcus. And boy, did he have some patience putting up with Marcus’ never-going-home friend Mo! Definitely a good dad.
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Flex Washington; One on One
Sure he had his playa ways and was quick to swoon the ladies, but any man who can raise a teenaged daughter—especially one with Breanna’s sass—deserves a round of applause. Not only was he firm when he needed to be, but Flex’s youthful personality and playful relationship with little BreBre made their bond admirable to any viewer.
Frank & Dee Mitchell; Moesha
If you remember this classic sitcom—how could one forget—then you know Frank was the strict parent who ruled with a stern hand and Dee was the easy-going nurturer (but don’t try to play her for a fool). Regardless their approach, these esteemed parents always managed to keep their household in order. ‘Cause boy, did Moesha stay in some drama, and when Dorian aka D-Money came into the picture, forget about it!
Ray Campbell & Lisa Landry: Sister, Sister
Although they weren’t a couple per se—at least not for the majority of the show’s run—and could barely stand each other, Ray and Lisa made a good team when it came to coaching Tia and Tamera. Laced with vibrancy and spunk, Lisa always made it easy for the girls to open up to her; she had the perfect balance between down-to-earth cool mom and smotherly love. Ray, although not on as suave, never neglected an opportunity to build with his lovelies. Opposites yes, but great parents nonetheless.
Michael and Janet Kyle; My Wife and Kids
Helmed by an off-the-wall joker daddy and his bomb-dot-com wife, this is probably one of the most lively households on the list. As playful as they were with their kids, Michael and Janet knew when to throw on the brakes. If they weren’t keeping Claire from going boy crazy or Kady from being a pest, they were grooming simple-minded Jr. into being a responsible young man. But we all have to admit it was the constant jokes, priceless pranks and light-hearted feel of the Kyle home that made us fall in love with these parents and their kids.
Julius and Rochelle; Everybody Hates Chris
Rochelle may have been loud and mouthy and Julius a big frugal—okay, extremely cheap—but their love for their kids was always at the forefront. Despite being beat down working multiple jobs, juggling house chores, and carrying financial stress, these two never missed an opportunity to spend QT with their fam and instill important values in Drew, Tonya and Chris. Classic example of a poor family who found joy in the simple things in life.
