Prehistoric Parenting: A Mother’s Day Flintstones Double Feature

By Michael Lyons

One of the perfect ways to celebrate all that Moms do for us to reflect back on the past.

And you can’t get more “in the past” than prehistoric times.  Hanna-Barbera’s landmark prime time animated sitcom “The Flintstones,” which aired from 1960-1966 introduced us to “the Modern Stone-Age Family.”

One of the many aspects of family life explored by the Flintstones and Rubbles was Motherhood.

In fact, two of “The Flintstones” most popular episodes make for a perfect Mother’s Day Double Feature.

“The Blessed Event” (Originally Aired February 22, 1963)

All of America tuned in when Wilma was expecting and this episode takes a very ‘60’s look at new parents.

Fred is so nervous that he insists on practicing driving Wilma to the hospital (complete with Barney in drag).  The results are very typical cartoon slapstick.

Wilma, on the other hand is calm and cool, as the writers subtly imply what we all know: that Moms are often times the glue that hold a family together.

At the end of the episode, when we finally meet Pebbles Flintstone and she says her first word, “Yabba-Dabba-Goo,” one can’t deny that despite a limited animated show, there’s an all-out sweetness to the moment.

“Little Bamm Bamm” (Originally aired October 3, 1963)

When Fred gets frustrated (and acts like a jerk) at the Rubbles always wanting to come over and play with Pebbles, Barney and Betty wish upon a star (in a nice moment) and make a wish to be parents.

Their wish is answered the next morning, when a little toddler named Bamm-Bamm arrives on their doorstep.

The seemingly strongest baby in the world, Bamm-Bamm makes the Rubbles life complete, until the Rubbles attempt to officially adopt Bamm-Bamm and wind up in a legal battle against a millionaire who also wants to adopt the mighty little toddler.

No spoilers as to how things turn out, but if you have seen later seasons, well, you know.

A surprisingly touching episode, “Little Bamm-Bamm” shows that motherhood, parenthood and family come in all shapes and sizes, including little, white haired toddlers who wield a club.

Watching both of these episodes for Mother’s Day would be perfect.  After all, Mom is a...Rock...Star!

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Sources:

IMDb