After binge-watching Frank Underwood maneuver through tricky situations on House of Cards, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, Frank, you’re diabolical, but your tactics are impressive. I wonder if I could apply some of that to parenting?” Upon reflection, I realized I was already channeling my inner Frank and Claire, albeit with less ambition to conquer the world and more focus on simply surviving the day. Here’s how some of their strategies translate into my parenting:
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The Lesser Evil of a White Lie
Frank is known for bending the truth to avoid bigger issues, whether it’s about a political campaign or a more sinister secret. In parenting, sometimes a small fib can keep the peace. For instance, when my toddler had an unfortunate accident on the girls’ bedroom floor, my immediate concern was keeping my older daughters in the dark. I didn’t want to face the chaos that would ensue if they found out. So, I cleverly asked my five-year-old for a yellow balloon (which didn’t exist) and told my seven-year-old to ensure the TV was off—while I hastily cleaned the mess. “Just making sure the floor is nice and clean for bedtime,” I said. A little deception can sometimes be the best route. -
Turning a Blind Eye
While Frank may be the president, he often prefers ignorance regarding his staff’s actions. Similarly, I sometimes choose to ignore the fact that my kids are stretching their TV time. They’re allowed two shows each night, but when I’m in the middle of cooking or working, I can’t resist the temptation to overlook the third episode they’re sneaking in. We all pretend the extra viewing isn’t happening, and dinner gets cooked without any fighting. -
Subtle Inducements
Frank knows never to directly bribe politicians; instead, he hints at future rewards to garner support. I might shy away from outright bribes, but I employ subtle persuasion. “If you go to bed now, you’ll be well-rested for the fun trip I have planned for tomorrow,” I might suggest, or “Please get up from the grocery store floor, or we won’t have time for cake later.” It’s not direct bribery, but it certainly gets the job done, right? -
Cover-Ups
Frank excels at cover-ups, and while I haven’t hidden any crimes, I have quietly disposed of toys. Just the other day, I tossed a moldy dinosaur, only to find my kids assuming the toddler had done it. Rather than confess my guilt, I kept quiet while they expressed their concern for him. Dishonest? Maybe. But it saved me from a potential meltdown. -
Empty Threats
Frank is skilled at bluffing, and I find myself doing the same with my kids. When I threatened to cancel our coffee outing due to some bickering, I realized how much I actually wanted that coffee! “Okay, but this is your last chance,” I said, trying to sound stern while secretly relieved to still have my caffeine fix on the table. Parenting, like politics, is all about navigating the delicate balance between authority and desire.
In conclusion, while I might not be plotting political maneuvers, the clever tactics I’ve picked up from House of Cards offer some unexpected insights into the world of parenting. From white lies to subtle persuasion, it’s all part of the daily grind of surviving parenthood.
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