14 Of The Best Parenting Moments From Throwback Sitcoms That Influenced Today’s Parents

Arguably one of the series' most unforgettable episodes, the Huxtables decide to give Theo a taste of what it's like in the real world. Theo thinks $2,000 will be enough to cover rent, food, and living the life, but he quickly learns what it means to be on your own. The whole family gets in on this valuable life lesson to not take what your parents have given you for granted.

This heartbreaking episode shows Shawn dealing with his tumultuous relationship with his father, who was in and out of his life. Ultimately, the two make peace with their relationship and commit to sticking together moving ahead. Shawn doesn't get the chance to see that through, as his dad dies of a heart attack shortly after they make amends.

The episode is an emotional reminder that not all relationships between parents and children are good ones. With sincere commitment, things can be made better no matter how much time has passed.

Will's pain is palpable in this episode where his father comes back into his life. Will has trouble letting his guard down, and when he does, his father leaves again. Uncle Phil, who suspected as much would happen, is there for Will and proves to be the steady man in his life that his father could never be.

The heartbreaking episode reminds us that the person we want to be our rock can't always be. It proves how important it is to treasure those who are there for you reliably, even when they're telling you what you don't want to hear.

Harvard is Rory's dream school, and Lorelai will do anything to get her there. As she noted in the show's pilot, "This is it. She can finally go to Harvard like she's always wanted, and get the education that I never got, and get to do all the things that I never got to do. And then I can resent her for it, and we can finally have a normal mother-daughter relationship."

Lorelai has sacrificed for Rory since the very beginning and even finds herself dreaming of a brighter future in the episode. It is a beautiful reminder of what parents invest in their children's futures and how they too can keep dreaming.

Having two teenage daughters is no simple feat for most families. This episode shows Dan and Roseanne trying to spend quality time with their girls. Dan goes shopping with Becky, while Roseanne watches basketball with Darlene. Both are out of their comfort zone but find a way to connect with their kids.

We don't always understand or have interest in the things our kids are into, but this episode reminds us of how important it is to try. Keeping the lines of communication open is the best way to ensure smooth sailing during some tough times.

Jason and Maggie Seaver were already a couple of our favorite sitcom parents for the way they realized they needed to adapt their parenting to each of their kids. This episode shows an example of their adaptable approach.

When Mike admits to being at a party where people were doing cocaine, Jason doesn't lecture him for who he's hanging out with. Instead, he talks through Mike's decision with him and applauds him for doing the right thing in a tough situation. It's an approach that parents of teens can really appreciate.

Sophia and Dorothy adorably enter a mother-daughter beauty pageant. The silly undertaking is a testament to their relationship. It's also a beautiful example of how the relationship between parents and children evolves and grows throughout a lifetime.

In this episode, Fran and Maxwell tell the parents of his deceased wife, Sara, that Fran is going to legally adopt the kids. While they initially balk at the idea and threaten legal action, the kids help highlight how Fran has kept them connected to Sara's memory.

This episode shows the journey of a new parent entering children's lives after the death of a parent. Fran has always nailed it, and this episode is the culmination of that.

Danny Tanner is a bit of a perfectionist, but as a parent, he can admit to his shortcomings. When he forbids DJ from seeing Steve and realizes it harms her more than it helps their relationship, Danny admits he was wrong. He sets his issues with DJ straight and admits that her relationship with Steve is valuable.

It's hard for parents when kids start dating. This episode is a great example of how to work through those issues.

Kitty was always the good cop to Red's bad cop, but she had an extra edge. Kitty wasn't afraid to get real with teenagers about sex, drugs, and relationships in a way parents of the '70s did not. That open communication she keeps makes everyone feel at ease with her, making her the mom of the whole group.

One of those relationships is examined in this episode. Kitty's rage at Donna about moving on from Eric is examined. The two realize they both have some resentment toward Eric for leaving so abruptly. They also recognize they have their own bond.

There's always an understanding parent that kids feel comfortable opening up to. If you are one, Kitty is a great example of how to toe the line. If you aren't that kind of parent, she helps you realize why you should appreciate them.

Most parents dread their kids starting to date. In this episode, Marion thinks it's a good time to give Joanie the birds and the bees talk, only to discover Howard never had it with Richie. Harriet fumbles through the uncomfortable conversation but gets the message across.

We all have to face that moment with our kids at some point or another. In this day and age, it doesn't have to be so uncomfortable. Moms like Marion Cunningham paved the way to get to this place.

Even animated parents can make some for some poignant TV. Homer doesn't love his job, and he has a boss who seems out to get him. When Mr. Burns sticks a sign over his workstation that says "Don't forget, you're here forever," Homer covers the sign with pictures of his youngest daughter, Maggie, until it says "Do it for her."

The episode reminds us of the sacrifices made by parents and how our kids are the true motivation for everything we do.

Carol and Mike Brady's method of parenting might seem a little outdated, but there were definite moments that still resonate. In this episode, they address Jan's jealousy of Marcia by encouraging her to find her own strengths. She ends up having the opportunity to show off her talent and her character in a way that earns Jan her own praise.

In this episode, the Arnold family is shaken by Wayne's decision to join the Army because he doesn't know what he wants to do with his life. Jack, a Vietnam vet, laments the decision. Wayne later changes his mind after Jack, in a moment of tenderness, tells him he wanted more for him.

Sometimes you come to an impasse with your kids. You don't know where the disconnect happened, or how. You do know that your love and intentions have always been true, and hopefully that's enough to pull you through.