I don’t have kids, but I’m a big fan of the TV show, Supernanny, in which Jojo Frost helps dysfunctional families get back on track by teaching parents how to deal more gently, firmly, and consistently with their children. Last night, after Supernanny, we were treated to a new show called Super-Manny. (Manny being, of course, a male nanny.) Basically the same show, but instead of Jojo, it features Mike, a big, bald, snuggly teddy bear of a guy.
Mike talked a little bit about his own background. He explains that his father walked out on him and his mother, and he never had a strong male role model, ever. But he himself is a wonderful role model. Absolutely great with kids and parents.
In my view, Chiron represents that part of us that seeks to give others what we lacked. I was really touched by the Wounded Healer archetype on the show. Nobody taught him how to do that. He does have a degree in child development, but nobody taught him to care. He simply gives to others what he wished he had gotten when he was young, just like Chiron transcended the pain of his unhealable wound by nursing and healing the wounds of others. Contrast to people who pass the suffering to the next generation (as the father on this show would doubtless have done without Mike’s help). I don’t have the Super-manny’s chart, but I would bet that Chiron features prominently. Beautiful stuff.
- 15 November 2008
Molly Cliborne
