How can we forget our favorite ‘nanny’ with the distinctive nasal voice, out-of-the-world hairdo, and body hugging miniskirts? Yes, Fran Drescher a.k.a The Nanny played a big role in inducing humour while we leave our minds outside the door when watching the ever-famous and fabulous series back in the days. Fran who was a hairdresser by profession, played the role of a nanny to three children, with no experience whatsoever. When watching the series, you might wonder if you’ve ever leave your kids with a nanny like her, but surprisingly, the lady from Flushing has many key parenting tips which you may have missed. We’re here to unlock the mysterious parenting tips that will make you a better parent.
Take-outs count as dinner
“I’m perfectly capable of getting dinner on the table,” Fran says before calling Fung Lum’s for dinner in episode dinner. Well, it still counts! As working parents, it can be very challenging to be cooking home-cooked meals on a daily basis. So parents, it’s absolutely ok to give yourselves a break once a while. Lift your legs up and relax on your couch while watching The Nanny, because you deserve some break. Order in the take-outs and spend quality time with the family.
Keep your mama around
It’s hard not to notice Fran’s mother in the series because, she’s always around. Sure it can be over-bearing at times but having your family support is very important, especially in raising children. It’s good and healthy to have your family around. Do frequent visits because there’s nothing more wonderful than having a loving shoulder to lean on after a long day.
It’s ok to let kids be themselves
We play a vital role as guidance to our children. However, most of the time we want them to be perfect and make all the right choices. Fran on the other hand always reminded Mr.Sheffield (her boss and husband) that the kids need to be given freedom to make their own choices, even if it leads to making a mistake. That’s how they will eventually learn and trust you more for advice.
And it’s ok for you to be yourself, too…
Over time, we lose our true identity as an individual. It’s very hard to remain true to ourselves when we wear many hats and play different roles, but one main thing that Fran thought is to never give up who you are, inside and out. Fran never gave up her style or flair no matter what. She made many self-deprecating remarks, but deep down she knows who she was. When you’re true to yourself, it makes you a better parent.
Listen to your children
If you have younger kids, when was the last time you heard their imaginary story? Or their version of how school went for the day? Or ask them about their friends, likes and dislikes? Many of us are dwelled in our busy schedules that we overlook the simplest and darndest things our children tell. Provide a listening ear to our children and they will confide in you. Fran always listened to the three children, making them feel heard, important and valued.
Blood doesn’t make a family, love does
It’s one of the most obvious parenting lessons from The Nanny because Fran accepted and treated Mr. Sheffield’s children as hers, from the very beginning. Even though it took years for her to marry their father, she never stopped loving or treating them like her own. Whether or not our children are related by blood, that doesn’t stop you from being a parent to them, because the only thing that matters is the presence of love.
