Why LITB means so much to me

[sami dg]

When people find out that I am such a big fan of Leave it to Beaver they often ask. Why? They usually agree that it was a good show but that it is outdated. Perhaps the main reason is they way I grew up. My home life was hardly like the Cleavers. My parents argued and fought constantly and it was always comforting for me to watch TV. I loved shows like Brady Bunch and Leave it to Beaver because of the family unity on the shows. Are they unrealistic?....For the most part yes. I do believe however that there can be families just as unified as these were. The Cleavers always had problems perhaps not drugs and alcohol but those things were taboo in those days. However they did touch on the issue of Alcohol and tobacco. Sure June was the perfect housewife and that image is so 1950's and even unrealistic for then, but how many people can honestly say that they didnt wish for a mom like June. Dont get me wrong I love my mother dearly but Id be lying if I didnt wish when I was younger that she would be waiting at the door for me with a glass of milk and cookies. The Cleavers are the dream family and I would love to be a father like Ward someday. I hope my young 4 month old daughter will also grow up loving shows like these. I look forward to hearing other peoples perspectives on why you loved the show.

By the way check out my new Leave it to Beaver fan fiction over in general fan fiction...Id love to hear some feedback.

[VioletRutherford]

That was a very poignant story Sami dg. Thanks for sharing that with us!! I'm only sorry that you had such a tough time in your family. You're so right about people trying to emulate such happy families such as the Brady's & the Cleaver's. I respected the way Ward was always quite fair to Wally & Beaver when punishing them. There aren't too many parents that would always try to put themselves in their children's shoes!! I only wish they had more shows like that today!!

Actually they did touch on the subject of alcohol on LITB. It was the episode of Andy the painter and he's supposed 'problem!!' It was a very touching. Andy manipulated Beaver into trusting him and inadvertently giving him some booze. One of the reason's why I loved LITB is that it was equally blended with humor & pathos!!!

[Pitooey]

You know Sami, I do believe
people have lives like that. Maybe not exactly
the same way but, I do believe they're people
out there like that. My parents are married for
50 years and my mother gave up a career to take
care of her children. I did get a cupcake or 2 waiting
for me when I got home from school. Sure we had
problems in our house but, they did try. I left a
good career to raise my 2 smaller children and I do
believe my son sees me as a June Cleaver (Especially
my younger son.) I tell him I'm going back to work
and he looks at me kind of sad because "June" won't
be at home waiting for him. I think you'll be a good
parent to your little one because we "All" should never
forget the magic and the happiness that these shows
have bought us.