Dusty and Brad have worked to successfully become “co-dads”
after Brad married Sara and became stepfather to Dusty’s two children Dylan and
Megan. Brad has demonstrated a compassionate approach to parenting that Dusty
has come to accept and respect, and Dusty has accepted Brad as part of his
family. Now, Brad and Sara have become parents to Griffy, and Dusty has married
Karen, become stepfather to Adrianna. When Megan expresses that she hates
having to have two different Christmases, Dusty and Brad agree to have one big
celebration together as a family. It gets even bigger when Brad’s father Don
and Dusty’s often-absent father Kurt both join the festivities. Dusty’s macho
father can’t believe that Dusty and Brad actually are able to successfully share
parenting duties, and he tries to drive a wedge between them. Brad’s father is
hiding a secret, and Adrianna’s musclebound father brings an element of
dangerous unpredictability when he shows up, too. Can these several dads learn
to work together for the good of their kids?
*Spoilers ahead the rest of the way*
The Adoption
Connection
Although there is no direct mention of adoption, the concept
of blended families and shared parenting is relevant to many families,
including adoptive and foster families. Brad and Dusty have built a strong
relationship, even though their start was rocky, and even though they don’t
always get along very well.
Strong Points
Dusty and Brad initially say that they don’t harbor any hard
feelings towards each other, and they present as having a very strong
relationship. The truth that comes out is, they do have some grudges against
each other – but the film doesn’t end with that realization. They both love the
children that they’re parenting, and they view each other as family. The hurt
feelings that they have towards each other are true, but their relationship doesn’t
end because of those feelings, and in fact, those feelings aren’t the primary
defining factor of their relationship – they’re just part of the story. Brad and
Dusty show that adults co-parenting the same children can be a team – and be a
family – even in spite of differences in lifestyle and differences in approaches
to parenting. This film could present a surprisingly helpful example for what
positive relationships could look like between adoptive and birth families, as
well.
Dusty is learning to express his emotions. Although his
father was not nurturing, Dusty is learning to tell his kids that he loves
them.
Challenges
Brad and Dusty do try to hurt each other. Dusty’s father
Kurt seems to be trying to upset the balance that Brad and Dusty have worked to
form.
When Adrianna’s dad shows up, he refers to himself as her “one
true real dad,” which seems to be intended to belittle the role that Dusty is
taking in her life.
Recommendations
I wouldn’t recommend Daddy’s home to kids, and I don’t think
it’s intended as a family film, but it seems like it could be a good choice for
parents. As you watch it, consider how adoption or fostering is similar to a
blended family. What conflicted loyalties might your children be feeling? How
can you acknowledge and honor the other connections in their lives?
Questions for
Discussion
What makes Brad’s and Dusty’s relationship work?
Can you maintain a relationship with someone even if you
have some mixed feelings towards them? What helps that happen?
To what extent could you incorporate your children’s birth family
into your family’s life?
No comments:
Post a Comment