Appendix "G": Parenting Techniques

Please Note: Similar to Appendix "F", the Leave It To Beaver television program contained a message for parents in terms of how to deal with the problems they encountered with their growing adolescents. The writers tended to lean toward permissive child rearing techniques by counseling parents to adopt an understanding and supportive role. Parents were to serve as moral role models to ensure their children grew up to be good citizens, but at the same time there was a concerted effort to remind parents that children were children, and not mini-adults. Often after delivering a stern moral lecture, especially to Beaver, Ward would come to the realization that his son viewed the world from a far different perspective. As a result, Ward often verbalized to the viewing audience not to forget what it was like to be a child.

Wally's Girl Trouble (1957, #005): As children get older, and develop outside interests, a rift may develop between them. However, in the end, family ties will proved stronger and keep them united.

Part Time Genius (1957, #006): Ensure your aspirations for your children are in keeping with their attributes.

New Neighbors (1957, #007): While children need your help and assistance, sometimes it is best to let them discover the solutions to problems themselves.

The Haircut (1957, #008): Putting too much pressure on your children to be responsible can result in a fear to communicate problems when they occur.

Brotherly Love (1957, #009): Your children are individuals and they are bound to grow apart, but it doesn't mean they don't love each other.

Perfume Salesman (1957, #010): Where possible try to alleviate or eliminate disappointing situations for your children and they will reward you with their love and affection.

The Clubhouse (1957, #011): Children have short attention spans, and if given everything they want, they will be bored, and parents will be bankrupt.

Beaver's Short Pants (1957, #012): Fathers have a responsibility to help their children out of embarrassing or difficult situations.

Beaver's Crush (1957, #013): When adults make mistakes it is permissible to admit their shortcomings to children and to they too are capable of learning from their errors.

The Paper Route (1958, #015): Parents cannot jump to conclusions regarding their children's understanding of responsibility. Excessive interference will cause more problems than it solves.

Party Invitation (1958, 016): While parents have a certain level of understanding regarding their children's wishes, there is an obligation to teach children about social responsibility.

Child Care: (1958, #018): If children are raised properly they can be counted on to behave in a responsible manner.

Bank Account (1958, #019): Don't immediately jump to the wrong conclusion when you find your children have done something you consider wrong.

Lonesome Beaver (1958, #020): Age differential between brothers can promote independence.

The Perfect Father (1958, #021): Remember your childhood. Children can learn more from their peers than from their parents. The parent's job is to provide guidance, not interference.

Cleaning Up Beaver (1958, #022): Don't hurt your children's feelings, and don't interfere between brothers unless necessary. Where possible, let the children work out their differences on their own.

The State Vs. Beaver (1958, #023): Parents must be consistent in their application of rules and regulations, otherwise children will be afraid to come for help when they are in trouble.

Beaver and Poncho (1958, #024): It is important for parents to understand their children's feeling and help them follow the right path. Teachers also have a responsibility to ensure they keep children out of trouble by augmenting the lessons children learn at home.

The Broken Window (1958, #025): If you instill proper values in your children they can be counted on to tell the truth.

Train Trip (1958, #026): Ensure your children understand the questions you ask are because of parental interest, and not just an excuse to criticize their actions.

My Brother's Girl (1958, #027): When children are hurt by the actions of others, parents must provide support, assistance and explanations so they understand why this type of behavior is inappropriate.

Next Door Indians (1958, #028): It is not necessary for parents to constantly pry into the activities of their children. Sometimes they must be left alone, and parents should only intervene if children are doing something dangerous.

Music Lesson (1958, #029): Parents should build up their children's confidence and not wait until they do something good to tell them they are proud of them.

Tenting Tonight (1958, #030): Provide proper explanations to children if you cannot keep your promises. They will understand and it will teach them to be independent.

Beaver's Old Friend (1958, #031): Be sensitive to your child's needs. Everyone need to hang on to some happy reminder of the past.

Wally's Job (1958, #032): Don't create dissension between siblings by going back on your promises.

New Doctor (1958, #033): Often, advice given by an outsider to the family has more impact on children that directives issued by parents.

Boarding School (1958, #034): It is important for children to make up their own minds. Parents are there to provide moral support and assistance in terms of pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of the child's decision.

Beaver's Bad Day (1958, #035): Since children learn by example, it is important to live by the same rules you teach and impose upon your children.

Beaver's Poem (1958, #036): While it is important for parents to help their children with their schoolwork, it is not good it parents do all the work.

Beaver and Henry (1958, #037): Children are scared when they do something wrong, therefore, don't make them too afraid to come to their parents when they make a mistake.

Beaver's Guest (1958, #038): It is much more difficult to discharge your duties as a parent when you are responsible for someone else's children.

Cat Out Of The Bag (1958, #039): Don't criticize your children to the point where they are afraid to come to their parents for assistance when they are in trouble.

Ward's Problem (1958, #040): Be honest and straightforward with your children. Don't place them in situations where they are confused and/or forced to make up stories to protect the integrity of parents.

Beaver Runs Away (1958, #041): Because parents impose adult rules on children, it is important for parents to remember what it is like to be a child. Especially when children disappoint their parents by breaking the rules.

Beaver and Chuey (1958, #042): It is tough being a parent, but they learn from their children.

Lost Watch (1958, #043): Don't make things so tough on your children that they are afraid to come to parents when they are in trouble.

The Pipe (1958, #044): Don't jump to conclusions about your children. If children are raised properly, you can count on your child to admit when they do something wrong.

Wally's Present (1958, #045): Teach your children that two wrongs don't make a right, and that an apology with help resolve a problem.

Her Idol (1958, #046): Families should be kind, considerate and show mutual respect for each other.

Grass Is Always Greener (1958, #047): Children will gain a new respect and appreciation for their parents and circumstances when they are compared to other families.

Wally's New Suit (1958, #049): Even if children make errors in judgment, if raised properly, they can be counted on to realize they have made an error and will rectify the situation.

The Shave (1958, #050): Don't embarrass your children in front of their peers. If you do, don't be afraid to admit your error.

The Visiting Aunts (1958, #051): Parents have a right to demand and expect compliant behavior from their children when they are asked to do something when they would rather be somewhere else.

The Tooth (1958, #052): Putting too much pressure on your children can result in disappointment for both parents and child alike. Reassurance is a much better approach.

Beaver's Ring (1958 #053): Teach your children they must be responsible for their actions.

Beaver Gets Adopted (1958, #054): Watch what you say to your children. They may take you at your word.

The Price of Fame (1958, #056): Don't say things that make your children afraid to approach you when they have a problem.

School Play (1958, #057): While providing reassurance to your children, don't create situations, or scenarios, which contribute to nervousness.

The Boat Builders (1958, #058): Parents must respect children's privacy, but only to a certain point. If they are going to do something dangerous, parental supervision is required.

Happy Weekend (1958, #059): Although there may be some initial disappointment and reluctance, children can still become excited by the attractions of simpler times.

Beaver Plays Hooky (1958, #060): Children must be taught to obey the rules of society and face up to authority when they misbehave.

The Garage Painters (1958, #061): Parents must realize times have changed and their children will face a much more complex society.

Beaver's Pigeons (1958, #062): Parents must do all they can to understand and help their children through difficult situations.

Wally's Pug Nose (1958, #063): When children suffer from a lack of self-esteem about their appearance, the situation must be handled with tact and diplomacy, not by embarrassment.

Haunted House (1958, #064): You must learn to listen to and understand your children's fears. A proper explanation will resolve and eliminate fearful situations.

Wally's Haircomb (1958, #065): While hairstyles may be a passing fad, they are also a method of self-expression and a way for teenagers to conform through non-conformity. However, parents have a responsibility to impose certain standards to ensure their children don't embarrass themselves or their parents.

Beaver and Gilbert (1959, #066): Sometimes children must be encouraged to solve their own problems. They can't always run to their parents for solutions.

The Bus Ride (1959, #067): You can trust and rely on your children to be both responsible and to always tell you the truth.

The Horse Named Nick (1959, #068): Parents must do what they can to ensure the happiness and satisfaction of their children.

Beaver Says Goodbye (1959, #069): Place your faith in your children and rest assured they will prove themselves honest, reliable and upstanding citizens.

Beaver's Newspaper (1959, #070): Parents have an obligation to help their children accomplish or complete big tasks.

Beaver's Sweater (1959, #071): Sometimes parents love their children so much they let them do the wrong thing.

Friendship (1959, #072): Parents must ensure moral lessons given to children must be consistently taught and applied across society.

Dance Contest (1959, #073): Parents must do all they can to help their children when they are having difficulty.

The Cookie Fund (1959, #074): There are times when parents have to place trust in their children and not ask questions when the child makes a request.

Beaver The Athlete (1959, #076): Don't push children too hard to be competitive. Each child is an individual and as such have different skills and abilities.

Found Money (1959, #077): Don't automatically disbelieve your children when they tell you a fantastic story. They may be telling a truthful version of the events as they occurred.

Most Interesting Character (1959, #078): A child's view of his parents is based on his perception of their feelings toward him, rather than specifically on what their parents do.

Beaver's Tree (1959, #080): Ensure you understand your children's actions and motives. What may appear to be a thoughtless act may have a much deeper meaning in terms of respect for parents and family.

Wally's Play (1959, #081): Encourage your children to try new things and expand their horizons.

Blind Date Committee (1959, #082): When children approach parents for advice regarding a problem the solutions can often be found if parents refer to similar situations in their own childhood.

Beaver Takes A Walk (1959, #084): Do not exaggerate your childhood stories. Your children regard you as a role model. Your words and actions can cause problems if you don't realize children will believe everything you tell them.

Beaver Finds A Wallet (1959, #085): Sometimes parents must make allowances, and take responsibility, for the faults or thoughtless actions of other adults.

Beaver Takes A Bath (1959, #086): If children are brought up properly they will be honest with their parents.

Beaver's Prize (1959, #087): Proper parenting techniques will ensure children learn proper values and will grow up to be good citizens.

Borrowed Boat (1959, #088): While parents are important, sometimes it is necessary to let brothers depend upon each other when trouble occurs. In this way the children learn both from the experience, and that they can trust each other.

Beaver's Library Book (1959, #089): Parents must remember they were once children, and they must not make their children afraid to come to them when they have a problem.

Baby Picture (1959, #090): It is possible for one parent to help his/her children out of a problem without upsetting or hurting their spouse.

Teacher Comes to Dinner (1959, #091): Recognize your children's fears and do all you can to allay their anxiety.

June's Birthday (1959, #092): Be kind to your children. Spare their feelings with kindness and love.

Pet Fair (1959, #093): Parents must take an understanding attitude toward their children and back them up - within reason.

Wally's Election (1959, #094): While it is permissible for parents to want their children to have a better life, parents should not live their lives vicariously through their children. If you push too hard, and realize you made a mistake, an apology to the child is in order.

School Sweater (1959, #095): Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children do not become romantically involved at too young an age.

Beaver The Magician (1959, #096): Parents must go to any lengths to allay the fears of their children.

Beaver Makes a Loan (1959, #097): Let children arbitrate their problems between themselves. If parents get involved, the situation may get out of hand.

Tire Trouble (1959, #097): Parents must watch what they say. Words hurt more than physical punishment.

Larry Hides Out (1959, #099): When children misbehave, do not yell at them in front of their friends. This is extremely embarrassing for children.

Beaver and Andy (1959, #101): While parents have a responsibility to protect their children from some of the more unpleasant aspects of life, such as alcoholism, failure to be fully open with the details can have disastrous results.

Beaver's Dance (1959, #102): Although parents must listen to their children's concerns, they have a responsibility to ensure their children learn social graces as this will be important in later life.

Wally and Alma (1959 #105): Parents must know who their children's friends are and ensure they are not being pushed in the wrong type of situation.

Ward's Baseball (1959, #106): When punishment is imposed, stick to it. If parents go back on their word, (even if it is punishment), children lose respect for their parents as they appear to be push-overs.

Beaver's Monkey (1959, #107): Sometimes it is necessary for parents to think like a child instead of an adult.

Wally's Orchid (1959, #108): Parents can't plan their children's lives. Remember what it is like to be a child.

Beaver's Bike (1959, #109): Parents are ultimately responsible for the behavior and actions of their children. However, they are also human and subject to making mistakes.

Mother's Day Composition (1959, #110): Children make up stories about their parents because they love and respect them and want them displayed in the most favorable light possible.

Beaver and Violet (1959, #111): Boys and girls have a mutual animosity toward each other, and like each other for it.

Spot Removers (1959, #112): Always try to understand you children's mistakes and remember children will be children.

Beaver The Model (1959, #113): Sometimes the advice of strangers can make more of an impression on children than the advice of their parents.

Beaver and Ivanhoe (1959, #115): When parents unintentionally misdirect their children they must accept the blame and intervene to rectify the situation.

Beaver's Team (1959, #116): Don't embarrass your children in front of their peers.

The Last Day of School (1959, #117): Children have a tremendous capacity to straighten out problem situations on their own. However, when parents make mistakes it is incumbent upon them to apologize.

Beaver's House Guest (1960, #118): You don't divorce someone you love. You stay together for the sake of the children.

Beaver Becomes A Hero (1960, #119): Parents must support and help their children when they are in difficult situations.

Beaver's Freckles (1960, #120): Sometimes parents must ignore children's small problems because these things usually resolve themselves, and they seldom last a long time.

Beaver Won't Eat (1960, #121): Parents should not force children to do something they don't want. Parents should also give children another chance to redeem themselves when they misbehave.

Beaver's Big Contest (1960, #122): Parents must do things in the best interests of their children.

Wally The Lifeguard (1960, #123): Parents must be proud of their children even if they are disappointed.

Beaver's I.Q. (1960, #124): Parents must help children to achieve their goals and develop an understanding of the importance of education.

Beaver Goes In Business (1960, #125): When other adults let children down, it is up to parents to do something to restore a child's faith in grown-ups.

Wally's Glamour Girl (1960, #126): Parents need to prove a sympathetic ear and understanding when their children encounter difficulties.

Eddie's Double-Cross (1960, #127): Children should be discouraged from "going steady" too soon.

Miss Landers' Fiancé (1960, #128): Adults must be understanding and sympathetic when children develop infatuations with older authority figures.

Chuckie's New Shoes (1960, #129): Don’t let your children be afraid to come to their parents when they are in trouble.

Teacher's Daughter (1960, #131): Children should be discouraged from "going steady".

Beaver and Kenneth (1960, #132): Believe in your children. If you have raised them properly they will tell you the truth and not let you down.

Beaver's Accordion (1960, #133): When your children do something wrong it is permissible to understand why they acted the way they did if parents recall their own childhood.

The Dramatic Club (1960, #134): Counsel your children to live up to their responsibilities. They cannot abandon something simply because they don't want to do it.

Uncle Billy (1960, #135): Sometimes other adults will tell exaggerated stories, which hurt children. If children have been raised properly they will be able to understand and sort out the lies from the truth.

Beaver's Secret Life (1960, #136): When you invade your child's privacy, for whatever reason, you must explain and/or apologize for breaking the confidence.

Wally's Track Meet (1960, #137): When children do something wrong, parents can't always intervene. Sometimes the intervention will prove more embarrassing than letting the child sort out the problem by himself.

Beaver's Old Buddy (1960, #138): Talk to, and counsel, your children when you see they are unhappy. It won't change the problem, but it will help them to understand they are not alone in the situation.

Beaver's Tonsils (1960, #139): Sometimes parents try to prepare their children too well for a problem situation and this only results in disappointment.

The Big Fish Count (1960, #140): If children have been raised properly they will have a conscience and will know right from wrong.

Mother's Helper (1960, #141): Don't let children get too involved with members of the opposite sex.

Wally and Dudley (1960. #143): Different parents have different parenting techniques.

Beaver's Report Card (1961. #144): Don't jump to conclusions about your children and make false accusations. If you do, an apology in definitely in order.

Eddie Spends The Night (1961, #145): Parent's love is determined by how much they check on their children.

Wally's Dream Girl (1961, #146): Parental intervention must be tempered with common sense. Try to put yourself in your child's shoes before making plans for them.

Mistaken Identity (1961, #147): When children lie, even not your own, they will eventually tell the truth and apologize.

The School Picture (1961, #148): Despite your best efforts, your children may disappoint you on occasion.

Community Chest (1961, #150): Parents can be tough, as long as they are fair to their children.

Beaver's Rat (1961, #151): Sometimes if is necessary for parents to reverse their decisions. This is fine as long as an explanation is provided to the child.

Kite Day (1961, #152): Don't disappoint your children even if they do it to you.

In The Soup (1961, #153): Always support and help your child, regardless of the situations they encounter.

Junior Fire Chief (1961, #154): Sometimes parents have to let children find out for themselves when they are making errors in judgment.

Beaver's Doll Buggy (1961, #155): Parents have a responsibility to help their children out of embarrassing situations.

Substitute Father (1961, #156): If you have raised your children properly they can be counted on to be responsible individuals who know right from wrong, and can conduct themselves in an adult manner.

Wally's Weekend Job (1961, #157): Don't embarrass your children in front of their friends.

Wally's Car (1961, #158): When children make mistakes, they can be trusted to do what they are told in order to rectify the situation.

One of The Boys (1961, #159): If children have been raised properly you can rely on them to make the right decision.

Beaver's First Date (1961, #160): Don't pair off children too soon. Remember they are just children.

Wally's Big Date (1961, #161): Sometimes parents can't interfere in their children's lives. They must let children sort out problems on their own.

Wally Goes Steady (1961, #163): Parents must discourage thoughts of marriage if they think the child is too serious and too young.

Beaver's Birthday (1961, #164): Parent's have a responsibility to encourage thrift and saving money.

Please Note: The parenting techniques fell into one of the four categories as listed above. However, in some instances the messages overlapped, and as a result some episodes are included in two classifications. The percentages are based on the 145 episodes viewed.

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