Dear Diary,

Like many Americans, I grew up watching The Cosby Show.  The Huxtable’s reminded me of my own family—the Hopson’s. My father shared Cliff’s sense of humor and interest in jazz. My sister and Denise both loved fashion and attended historically Black colleges. Rudy and I were the babies of our families and very curious about life. And my mother, like Clair, was in charge of the household, even though she let my father think he was.  She was the chief disciplinarian and decision-maker.  When we asked my father permission to do something or go somewhere, he would respond by saying, “Ask your mother.”  But my mom never let him (or us) forget that he was the man of the house.  Before she went to work, she would cook our dinner and leave a note on how to prepare it when we were ready to eat.  Every now and again, I tune in to a classic Cosby rerun and think about my mom.  I also wonder what TV mom my daughter will compare me to when she gets older.  Check out this list and see what TV mom you’re most likely to be called.

Tasha Mack (The Game)

You are a single mom.

You are smart and sarcastic.

You are strong and independent.

You are your child’s cheerleader.

You interfere in your child’s personal life.

You make sure your child reaches his/her goals.

You rescue your child when he/she makes a mistake (over and over again!)

You will fight someone over your child. (You may even carry Vasoline in your purse for this reason!)

Dr. Miranda Bailey (Gray’s Anatomy)

You are resourceful.

Your friends nicknamed you “The Nazi”.

You have a huge heart under a tough exterior.

You are a mom to your coworkers/employees.

You give great advice and always offer support.

You have a blunt personality & aren’t afraid to speak your mind.

You work your way up the career ladder to provide for your children.

You put your child ahead of your career, even if you have to take him/her to work.

Ella (House of Pain) 

You are very responsible.

You are often heard singing.

You are a caring, Christian woman.

You are upbeat and have a positive aura.

You make major decisions for your family.

You enjoy cooking, cleaning and volunteering.

You raise other people’s kids but love them like your own.

You still pick up after your adult children and do their laundry as well.

Rochelle (Everybody Hates Chris)

You are strict yet caring.

You are loud and bossy (at times).

You believe in old-school child rearing.

You fuss & scream but praise & support.

You threaten to “slap your child into next week.”

You know something’s up when your child is “actin’ suspicious.”

You will stand up for your child in public, even if he/she is in the wrong.

Your hard shell softens when your child says “I’m sorry” or “Yes ma’am”.

Hey DFTM Fam–Who would you add to the list?