Every mom has her own style: Some rely on humor, some on strength. Some sit back and quietly whisper words of wisdom, while others blaze trails, signing loudly along the way. And we don’t get to choose what kind of mom we get — except through the magic portal that is television.
Nowhere is the spectrum of motherhood better represented than on the myriad shows that have aired in the 60 years since we met the first sitcom families. Whether it’s Carol Brady handling one of Marcia's tantrums, or Marge Simpson dealing with Bart's antics, we love to watch how these ladies parent. In honor of Mother’s Day, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite life lessons from some of television's most memorable moms.
People aren’t as different as we think. We may have different beliefs, but we’re all pretty much alike.Shirley Jones as Shirley Partridge in “The Partridge Family”
You should listen to your heart, and not the voices inside your head.Julie Kavner as Marge Simpson in “The Simpsons”
You tell them that a woman is entitled to have a mood, any mood, a happy mood, a sad mood, an angry mood, and she can have this mood whenever she likes.Phylicia Rashad as Clair Huxtable on “The Cosby Show”
One must champion oneself and say, "I am ready for this!Catherine O'Hara as Moira Rose in “Schitt's Creek”
Well, you’re gonna win or you’re gonna lose. Either way, the sun’s still gonna come up tomorrow morning.Connie Britton as Tami Taylor in “Friday Night Lights”
You have to follow your heart, and when you do... you'll be a part of something you love for all the right reasons.Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson in “Black-ish”
Sometimes you have to allow yourself to be weak in order to grow stronger.Florencia Lozano as Eleanor Waldorf in “Gossip Girl”
If eating cake is wrong, I don’t want to be right.Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore in “Gilmore Girls”
Women are different, we'll just sit calmly and work everything out.Florence Henderson as Carol Brady in “The Brady Bunch”
Just because you're sensitive doesn't mean you're not strong.Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson in “This Is Us”
Photo credit: Minas Keukazian/ Alamy Stock Photo
