The days can feel endless, filled with obligations, desires, and limited time spent together—time that seems to diminish as our daughter matures. It’s bittersweet, as each day brings new challenges related to attire, dietary preferences, schoolwork, and household tasks. Yet, we cherish the moments we share with our teenage daughter, aware that one day these moments may reduce to infrequent calls and holiday gatherings.
Currently, we find solace in our nightly routine, where, after the day’s responsibilities are fulfilled and her younger brother is tucked into bed, our teenage daughter curls up on the couch with us for an hour of Netflix. This time is characterized by laughter, dessert, discussions about the shows, and, on rare occasions, a cozy cuddle.
A frequent topic among parents is “what do your children watch?” I often refrain from contributing, as preferences vary widely. My daughter, for instance, enjoys The Amazing Race yet has no interest in reality television. She gravitates towards clever comedies but steers clear of relationship-centric narratives. Luckily, she has outgrown the Disney and Nickelodeon phase, which often focuses on trivial conflicts and exaggerated plots—something I believe many can agree upon.
Here’s our curated list of series that we all appreciate—teenage daughter included:
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Doctor Who
As a devoted sci-fi enthusiast with a fondness for Douglas Adams and Steven Moffat, I was thrilled to introduce my daughter to this iconic series. Although she didn’t quite connect with Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, she quickly became engrossed in Doctor Who. The quirky humor, sharp dialogue, and intriguing literary references resonate with her. Plus, her first Doctor was the charming David Tennant, and the show is relatively free of romantic entanglements—an advantage for a discerning teen. -
Gilmore Girls
This delightful series about a witty mother-daughter duo struck a chord with us. Our conversations have become more engaging and humorous since we started watching together. We’re currently enjoying season two and are captivated by the show’s heartwarming portrayal of a tight-knit community, where kindness prevails amid the occasional upheaval. -
30 Rock
Another clever series led by a strong female character, 30 Rock offers a brilliant mix of humor, engaging plots, and a stellar cast. It’s the perfect lighthearted escape, especially following a particularly intense Doctor Who episode. -
How I Met Your Mother
I was pleasantly surprised by my daughter’s quick interest in this series, which chronicles the lives of young professionals in New York City. She appreciates the sharp writing, intricate story arcs, and well-developed characters. The inside jokes we now share—like the blue French horn and paintball incidents—add to our bonding experience. -
The Big Bang Theory
While some might be taken aback by this choice due to its adult themes, we stand by it. Much of the show cleverly integrates scientific concepts into everyday conversations, presenting them in an accessible manner. I appreciate the portrayal of nerdiness as something to embrace, providing a valuable lesson for my daughter as she navigates her teenage years. -
Parenthood
This family drama tackles a variety of real-life issues, from race to autism and beyond. It offers a springboard for discussions about human behavior and relationships, allowing us to explore how we might react in similar situations without the immediacy of real-life encounters. Sometimes, I even find myself pondering, “What would Adam Braverman do?” during parenting challenges. -
Modern Family
This show offers a unique perspective on family dynamics. With its smart humor and relatable characters, we often watch it together before the eight-year-old goes to bed. We appreciate how it depicts diverse family structures with the same depth and nuance as traditional ones.
We’re nearing the end of our current watchlist and are on the lookout for new recommendations. What shows do you enjoy with your older children?
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In summary, finding shared interests with our teenager can foster meaningful connections and facilitate discussions around various topics, from humor to life lessons.