Appendix "F": Moral Messages For Children

Please Note: Almost every episode of Leave It To Beaver consistently contained the same underlying moral message for children: obey/trust your parents, tell the truth, and ensure your actions do not hurt other people. In some programs the entire episode was devoted to one of those specific themes. In others it was a more subtle undercurrent, rather than a blatant message. The following list contains the prime moral messages contained in each of the programs viewed.

Wally's Girl Trouble (1957, #005): Family is more important than outsiders.

Part Time Genius (1957, #006): Be satisfied with your God-given skills and attributes and learn to accept yourself as you are.

New Neighbors (1957, #007): Seek advice from trustworthy sources such as your parents.

The Haircut (1957, #008): Regardless of the circumstances, go to your parents when you are in trouble, or have done something wrong.

Brotherly Love (1957, #009): Sometimes parents impose unrealistic expectations on their children, but they only do this out of concern and love.

Perfume Salesman (1957, #010): When parents help you out of a problem situation ensure you show your appreciation in return.

The Clubhouse (1957, #011): There is always a way to earn money if you want or need it badly enough.

Beaver's Short Pants (1957, #012): Father's are understanding people who can be counted on to help you through difficult situations.

Beaver's Crush (1957, #013): Don't do things at the insistence of others because of a dare. Instead, be true to your own feelings and discuss problems with adults.

The Paper Route (1958, #015): Working is not much fun as it requires a great deal of responsibility, however you can count on your parents for assistance.

Party Invitation (1958, 016): Your parents know best. When they force you to do something you don't want to do, it often produces surprising results.

Child Care: (1958, #018): Show your parents you can live up to their expectations.

Bank Account (1958, #019): Ensure you show your parents the proper amount of love and affection for all their efforts.

Lonesome Beaver (1958, #020): Age is an important factor in your ability to participate in particular activities. Sometimes your are left out, so learn to be independent.

The Perfect Father (1958, #021): Don't resent your father's interference as he is only trying to help.

Cleaning Up Beaver (1958, #022): What brothers say to each other is important. Don't hurt your sibling's feelings.

The State Vs. Beaver (1958, #023): Always tell the truth, and listen to your parents.

Beaver and Poncho (1958, #024): Things must be returned to their rightful owner. Lying, or omitting all the facts, is not permissible.

The Broken Window (1958, #025): Don't do things that will disappoint your parents. However, if you do something wrong, always tell the truth.

Train Trip (1958, #026): If you tell lies you will always get caught because someone is always watching you, and your parents will always find out.

My Brother's Girl (1958, #027): Be wary of people, (especially girls), who befriend you; their motives are often far from altruistic.

Next Door Indians (1958, #028): Don't make up false stories to gain attention, or to impress others. You will only be caught in your lies.

Music Lesson (1958, #029): Don’t be afraid or ashamed to come to your parents if you fail at something. People all have different attributes and capabilities.

Tenting Tonight (1958, #030): Don't be disappointed if your father cannot keep his promises because of the demands of his occupation. Learn to be independent and do things on your own.

Beaver's Old Friend (1958, #031)

Questions or comments?  Write to info-at-leaveittobeaver.org

All material copyright 2007.  Disclaimer: This page is run by info-at-leaveittobeaver.org which means it's just me. I set up this page just as a hobby. I don't represent Leave It To Beaver nor any of the copyright holders to this fine show, and I don't speak for them. Heck, I don't even know who "they" are! All I know is this page surely doesn't represent them.