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Uncle Buck Parenting
While watching Uncle Buck last night, two things immediately came to mind and were constantly re-confirmed:
- John Candy was the most lovable, sincere & funny actors of our time and I still miss knowing he’s around.
- I will base my parenting on his character in Uncle Buck.
“Wow, this guy really likes John Candy.” Yes. Yes I do. And if you don’t, you’re a witch and should be burned.
Don’t read this if you haven’t seen Uncle Buck. First, slap yourself in the back of the head, then go rent it and watch it twice. Seriously though, Uncle Buck was the best possible parent. He was a big kid himself, but knew the right things to do. let’s recap.
When Tia (the oldest daughter) wanted to be a bitch about everything because she felt she was too old for a babysitter, he told her to deal with it. No special treatment, no meeting in the middle. Just deal with it. Kids are not grown-ups.
When he had to meet the Asst. Principal because she felt that Maizy (the younger daughter) was a “bad egg” for being a dreamer and a sillyheart, he ripped her, letting her know that a kid should be a dreamer and a sillyheart and that if she ever so much as scowls at another kid in that school, he’ll be back to finish things. Kids should be kids, not little adults.
A “professional” clown shows up for Miles’ (the only son) birthday party, thoroughly drunk and belligerent. Buck tells him to leave, and when he doesn’t, he punches him in the nose. Twice! Be a problem solver.
Miles says he’s brushed his teeth. Buck tell him that the has a friend in the FBI that can test for that kind of thing. Sometimes lying to your kids is effective & will be a funny story for them later.
Ultimately, Tia tries her hardest to be with her loser boyfriend and Buck tries to keep her safe. Her boyfriend, Bug, is a serious beret-wearing douche and tries to be defiant. Buck eventually abducts him from a party where he feared Bug might take advantage of Tia, duct tapes him and puts him in the trunk, then hits golf balls into him when he tries running his mouth after Buck lets him go. Protect your daughter.
So that’s what I’ve learned. I think you can be a parent, and a badass.
What do you think?
7 Comments to “Uncle Buck Parenting”
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- This is the most awesome kid ever! I do exactly this at almost 30. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm_n3hg-Gbg 1 hour ago
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I think I’m worried about you procreating. At least you didn’t pick that John Candy movie where he’s in drag and the other dude is in assless chaps.
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I did it again. It’s just that kind of week.
http://bugginword.com/2010/01/09/fingernail-sweat/
Elly Lou´s last blog ..Fingernail Sweat
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Great post,and brilliant choice of movie – I so loved John Candy. And he peaked with Uncle Buck and my personal favorite Spaceballs. And Planes Trains and Automobiles. And there’s more… oh yeah Only the Lonely. And more I think.
And hell yeah kids should be kids and enjoy it!!!
Brahm´s last blog ..I just watched the worst movie of 2009. And I liked it!
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My husband loves to quote from uncle buck.
Sepcifically
“How would you like to spend the next several nights wondering if your crazy, out-of-work, bum uncle will shave your head while you sleep?”
Not sure how relevant it is to his parenting though…
pixielation´s last blog ..Teddy Bears – like currency, only furrier
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Uncle Buck is definitely one of my favorite movies. Too many good scenes to name, but I do love when Maizy is bowling and Buck says, “Maizy, If the object of the game were to get the ball as close to the pins without knocking any of them over, you would be champion of the world.”
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@Elly Lou – Haha it’s too late. I’m already starting my plan full-on county domination. Start small… Also you are too kind, and I hope you enjoyed my poem.
@Brahm – So basically, his peak was the majority of his career? I wholeheartedly agree. I even like Wagon’s East. I’m a sucker.
@pixielnation – Seriously? It’s incredibly relevant. Also, your last blog post title has me VERY interested.
@kater – Too many. For me, the object of the game would have to be to not show up and be out drinking.
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Hilarious.
Just pray your kids dont want Ferris Bullers Day Off and pay you back!
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