Author’s note: This article contains light spoilers about the first episode of Fuller House.
This weekend, Netflix released the much-anticipated Fuller House. The show was a spin-off of the 1987 classic Full House. The story begins when oldest daughter D.J. Tanner, played by Candace Cameron-Bure, grows up and raises her own family. Things become stressful when her husband dies and she is left alone to raise her three boys.
To offer support during this time, her sister Stephanie Tanner (played by Jodie Sweetin) and her best friend Kimmy Gibbler (played by Andrea Barber) move in. The story is beautiful, emotional, and insightful all at the same time. I learned several important lessons from watching all 13 episodes, and I think everyone should take the time to check out the new series!
1. Asking for Help Is Challenging
The show starts with D.J. Tanner thinking about being a single mom while balancing her job as a veterinarian. Throughout the first episode, she’s afraid and anxious about her family moving out. She continuously works to hide her emotions from her family and reassures them that she’s got everything under control. When her family overhears her breaking down, they realize that she needs help, and they are immediately there to support her.
In many ways, I often find myself in the same position as D.J. While balancing school, two internships, a non-profit, extracurriculars, and a personal life, some days I feel like I need help. And like D.J., I find it difficult to ask for help. Fuller House was a beautiful reminder that it is okay to break down and it is okay to ask for a helping hand. Your friends and family will always be there to support you during difficult times.
2. Strong Female Friendships Are Important
As a young girl, I grew up watching D.J. and Kimmy’s friendship in awe. No matter what challenges they faced, the two friends always made it through stronger than ever. During the spin-off, I was left in tears when Kimmy dropped everything to move-in with D.J. and offer support.
She said, “Deej, you’ve been there for me my whole life. I was the kid no one wanted to hang out with…for reasons I’ll never understand. But D.J., you didn’t care. You always had my back, so now I’ve got yours.”
Her words truly reminded me that strong female friendships can carry you through life’s toughest challenges. Everyone needs a Kimmy Gibbler in their life.
3. Siblings Are Amazing
Another extremely inspiring moment was when Stephanie decided to leave her successful tour to move in and support her sister. The bond between D.J. and Stephanie is beautiful. Watching them reflect on past memories from previous episodes brings a strong sense of nostalgia that makes watching Fuller House a wonderful experience.
One of the most emotional moments between the two comes when Stephanie opens up about her infertility. Not only does this shed light on a struggle that many women face, but it also brings the two sisters closer than ever.
4. Parenting Is a Challenge, To Say the Least
In one episode, D.J. and Kimmy have a disagreement about their parenting styles. They quickly work through it, however, their conversation was a great reminder that there is no “right answer” when it comes to parenting; everyone is learning and doing the best they can.
Throughout the series, the parents face everything from anger to happiness, and they learn to deal with it all with patience, grace, and love. Fuller House brought several insights to parenting that truly highlighted the sacrifices, challenges, and joys that come with being a parent.
When the 13-episode series came to an end, all I could hope for was Netflix will deciding to renew the series for another season. For now, I am left with these wonderful insights and lessons that Fuller House brought me, and I am grateful I got to experience the show!
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