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Parents' Guide to

The Parent 'Hood

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Fun '90s family comedy is fine for tweens.

TV Syndicated , TBS Comedy 1995
The Parent 'Hood Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

Highlighting family values, education, and humor, THE PARENT 'HOOD follows the life of the Petersons, an average African-American upper-middle class family living in New York City. New York University college professor Robert Peterson and his wife, law student Jerri, are continually working to balance their careers with their roles as good parents to their four children. Teenagers Michael and Zaria must contend with having caring-but-unhip parents, while grade school-aged Nicholas and preschooler Cece enjoy causing mischief and being cute. Robert's \"hands-on\" parenting style and the siblings' somewhat idealistically close relationship play a big role in the family's efforts to resolve the various issues that arise in each episode. Family friends -- including Robert's wacky best friend Wendell Wilcox -- also add to the storylines.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The Parent 'Hood (which originally ran from 1994 to 1999 and still airs in syndication) is quite family-friendly, but some episodes cover serious topics, including teen pregnancy, gangs, and dropping out of school. Michael and Zaria also deal with the difficulties of being teenagers in a world filled with peer pressure. Nonetheless, the show promotes a very positive image of family and the African-American community. It also sends the message that parenting, while not easy, can be fun.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about family dynamics. Why do parents set and enforce rules? Kids, what things do your parents do that make you happy? Angry? Families can also discuss how TV represents African-American families. Why is it important to show positive images of diverse people on TV? Is it possible to create an image that's "too perfect"?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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