The Real-Life "The Brady Bunch" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

The Real-Life "The Brady Bunch"

For the families that don't have an Alice to fix their problems.

296
The Real-Life "The Brady Bunch"
snapfon.com

"Here's a story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up three very lovely girls..."

No matter how much we may not want to admit it, we all know the tune and we all love that iconic theme song. There are many memories of this All-American sitcom that come to mind when I think of this song. I grew up watching reruns of "The Brady Bunch" on TV Land. When I was young, I did not really understand the dynamics of that family. At the time, I did not realize that I would eventually find myself in my own "Brady Bunch" situation. For many years, "The Brady Bunch" portrayed the typical day-to-day life of an average blended family—well, sort of.

In "The Brady Bunch," there was never any talk about custody battles, child support or visitation issues. In the pilot episode, it was mentioned that Mike Brady's ex-wife had passed away (which would explain the lack of discussion of these issues), but the situation with Carol Brady's ex-husband was never explained. The show simply depicts the life of a perfect blended family, typical of a 1970s sitcom. They immediately loved each other like they have been a family all along. They called their step parents "mom" and "dad," and other than typical silly arguments, there was never much conflict.

In my experience of coming from a blended family, I know this fictional depiction is not realistic, (although, it would be pretty cool if my family had our own live-in Alice). In the real world, there is often a lot of drama when it comes to blending families. This drama is often much more than catching a football to the face. It is definitely not easy bringing two families together. Not only are two families coming together under one roof, but two separate lives are forced to collide. Of course, differences of opinion are bound to present themselves; this often leads to arguments. I know my family has had its fair share of arguments. Calling someone that is not your biological parent "mom" or "dad" can be awkward and uncomfortable at first. Being disciplined by someone that isn't your biological parent is also hard to get used to. For the longest time, it bothered me that I no longer shared the same last name as my mom. I felt as if my sister and I had been alienated from everyone else. It was a very difficult time in my life. To be put in simplest of terms, in general, blending a family is difficult.

There is one thing that The Brady Bunch show depicted correctly. Like I said, the Brady's loved each other like they have been a family all along. Although my family dealt with some difficult situations when we first came together, we have learned to love each other like we have been a family all along as well. My step-dad has stepped right in as the father figure my life was lacking. He and my brothers (step brothers) have renewed my trust in men. They have shown me that men can fulfill commitments and be there for their families. I am eternally grateful for that. Our families have accepted each other. We have taken our two separate lives and created a beautiful life together. People often say that blood is thicker than water. Although this may be true in many situations, I have learned that families do not have to be blood to form an unbreakable bond. I am so happy to come from a blended family. I know one thing is sure, I wouldn't trade my "Brady Bunch" situation for anything in this world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190639
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15132
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458027
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26715
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments