My modern family....

I've been watching some of my favorite shows lately, as has many many of you out there.  Two of my faves are Parenthood (seriously? this show is like crack to me), and Modern Family.

This got me to thinking about family.  Have you ever felt more connected to a TV family than to your own?

Have you ever thought, why don't they write a TV show about a family that doesn't talk to each other?  Maybe one where the kids grow up and want to have a family bond like they see from other families, but don't really know how?  Maybe one where the young parent strives to create a family bond, but can't seem to stop pushing their kids away?

Oh yeah - that probably wouldn't sell.

Do these TV families really exist?  Yes, I think so.  If not, is this just a dream-land?  Yes, parts are definitely contrived, but there are families out there that are just as close, right?  Ones where the parents have set that strong tie to their children.  Families that make it a point to speak to each other, hang out with each other, talk, listen, be there for each other?

This is the kind of family I want.

I want my girls to grow up and stay close to me.  I want to be there for them, through good times, and bad times.  I want to be a part of their lives - for the rest of their lives.  I want to experience the joy of grand kids, and watch as my kids struggle to figure things out.

I'm just not sure that I know how.  I'm not sure that I can have this family bond.

I feel like I push my kids away.  Sometimes, I do the same thing with my husband.  Sometimes, I just want to dump my kids on him, and run screaming away from my life.  These kids get on my nerves.  No matter what I say to them, they don't listen.  It's so frustrating repeating myself, or watching them make mistakes, even though I can help, they refuse it.  Honestly?  They are just as hard-headed as I am.

So, how do I do this?  How do I get that TV Family?  How do I nurture kids that want to stay near me, if not physically, at least emotionally?  Do I just reign in my frustrations?  Do I actually run screaming away?  How do I not scar them for life and ruin any relationship I might have in the future?

I want that TV Family - I just don't know if I am working toward it or against it.