There are numerous life lessons that I have learned from this show but this is my top list. My sister and I made this show part of our lives. We felt like we knew Annie, Eric, and their kids. We welcomed the Camden family into our home and into our hearts and our lives were forever changed.
1. It is alright to be from a big family
In fact, I am the oldest of five children (three boys and two girls). I am used to being a part of a big family and while there are challenges, it is so much more rewarding. People often comment, "Wow. I don't know how your mom does it all" My parents wanted a big family and I am forever grateful for the siblings my parents gave me. Growing up, we often compared ourselves to the Camdens. The Camden kids were the typical PK's (Preacher's Kids). They definitely had some run-ins with the law and quite a few shameful moments. Mary stole a glass to impress her basketball team for crying out loud. Making mistakes is the only true way to learn and grow. There's Eric, Annie, Matt, Mary, Lucy, Simon, and Ruthie. Then later (surprisingly) appear Sam and David. They always had each other's backs. Then there are the countless people that the Camdens bring into their homes, including the beloved Martin Brewer and Robbie Palmer.
2. You will always have someone to protect you and just be there. You can face challenges together:
While Mary often hated Matt's nagging about her dating guys his age, he was just looking out for her. When Lucy was freaking out on the elevator at a baby store, Matt comforted her and helped her stay calm (as calm as she could be anyway). He delivered her and Kevin's beautiful baby girl, Savannah. When Simon had to share a room with Ruthie she was annoying but you could see she truly cared for her big brother. She looked up to him and he guided her through her childhood. Eric and Annie were always there for their children too.
3. It's Acceptable to Date A Lot Before You Get Married:
Gosh, where to begin on this one. All of the Camden children dated and dated and dated. Simon even makes a video that outlines the family dating history, bringing out each individual's personality. Lucy fell in love with her beloved Jimmy Moon and dated numerous guys before she met Kevin Kinkirk and they wed. Matt dated many women. So did Simon. Mary dated her fair share of guys and her and Lucy even fought over some.
4. Food Makes Everything Better
In many of the openers to episodes, the Camdens would be sitting around the table talking and discussing what is going on in their daily lives. Annie cooks quite a bit and enjoys baking. Food can definitely coax the children but it may not be enough to get them to spill their secrets.
5. Lying Is So Not Alright
Trust me, the truth will always come out. Lucy and Eric Camden both could never tell a lie to save their lives.
6. Being Nosy Doesn't Always Pay Off:
Eric and Annie always tried to get in the middle of the juicy gossip. Eric would depend on Sam and David for the scoop on his kids' whereabouts. Eric would often be caught red handed.
7. Growing Up Is not always easy:
Lucy so desperately wanted to become a woman. She later realizes all the drama, stress, and emotions she would experience in her teenage years. As Mary says, "Life is all about disappointment and failure." Lucy was always the emotional one in the family.
8. "It's The Man's Job to Hunt and Gather."
Even if it is just for some tampons. Men like to be the providers and that's ok. Let them. However, women should also contribute.
9. Alone time is good, especially in a family of seven
Trust me, I should know. So maybe you'll trick your family about where you are and end up getting the whole house to yourself. Mary did this on Halloween.
10. Dying Your Hair Shouldn't Make A Guy Dump You:
Jimmy Moon dumped Lucy after she dyed her hair blonde. All things happen for a reason and we're not complaining. Kevin Kinkirk is definitely a crowd favorite. He's not bad on the eyes either. Be you and the right people will stay in your life.
11. Always Do What You Are Passionate About:
Mary loved basketball. She was the sporty one. Lucy was the girly one. The two sisters couldn't be more different. She didn't let a broken leg prevent her from playing the game she loved.
12. Listen to Your Mother-She Is Almost Always Right:
Annie Camden had a lot of great advice for her family. She always had their best interests at heart. She might have seemed overbearing at times but she always cared and knew what to do in about any situation. She reminds me a lot of my own mother. Annie is amazing.
13. Words: Be Careful With Them
No matter what, words matter. Use them wisely because once you say them, they can never be taken back.
14. Home-Made Gifts Are So Much Better:
People are so consumed with the material things in life. It is constantly a competition to see who can make more money, have a better car, etc. Sometimes the best things are not bought. Every Christmas, the Camdens exchanged gifts that they either made for each other or found around the house. How sentimental. After all, it's about spending time with loved ones over the holidays.15. Take It From The Theme Song:
The answer is home, the one place that you find. There is nothing better than home. Home is where the heart is. It is so comforting to come back home where you share a lifetime of memories with people. The world might treat you wrong, but home is the place to fall back on.
