• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast

Mad Men’s Don Draper: Parenting fail or fathering with aplomb?

August 25, 2010 by James Dunsford Leave a Comment

Don Draper. The archetypal American male or an enigmatic anti-hero? Regardless, the man has style.

The handsome but inscrutable main character on AMC’s hit show Mad Men has inspired more than one man to don a suit, throw back a martini or two during a long lunch, and embark on a journey of self-discovery (while the kids are at the sitters).

But, how does Draper measure up when it comes to parenting skills? Though the series has inspired a slew of trends based on mid-century American design and style, we wonder how Draper’s approach to family life would stack up in a modern home.

Here’s the breakdown of his technique for those who wish to follow in his footsteps:

1. Show you’re an involved parent – flirt with your kid’s teacher. In season two, Don met Sally’s teacher on a field trip, and made sure to get to know her. In the biblical sense. If you take your child’s education seriously, an extramarital affair may pay off at the end of the marking period.

2. When the wife asks where you’ve been, stare coldly, say nothing, then have a drink. Draper isn’t exactly forthcoming with information. Even within his own marriage, some of the more relevant details of his life, like, say, his real name, are closely guarded secrets.

3. Teach your kids to make an Old Fashioned – there’s a future in it and it doesn’t require tuition. Draper knows that a man who can fix a good cocktail (and drink several in quick succession), will likely go far in the business world. We’re sure that as soon as his progeny is old enough to handle a martini shaker and an ice pick they’ll be well-versed in the finer points of mixology.

4. Delegate work to others for the good of the kids. Draper knows a good thing when he sees it. The professional ad man can spot a catchy campaign slogan from a mile away. He has a preternatural instinct for locating single young women with time on their hands. And, he knows how to pick attractive secretaries who will take care of his Christmas shopping and remember the kids’ birthdays.

5. Kids don’t need therapy. They need more television. Draper survived Korea. He knows that some things, like feelings, are better left unsaid. When the kids act up, his MO is to remain stoic, park them in front of the tube and call a babysitter. A very pretty babysitter.

Mad Man may make for good Sunday night entertainment, but those who like the creature comforts in life, such as the company of their wife and children, may be best served by donning a skinny tie and calling it a day.

Filed Under: Dad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

145. Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus
byPaul Banas

Today we delve into the complexities of fatherhood with David Marcus, Ph.D., an expert with over forty years of experience working with families and children. In this enlightening conversation, we explore the essential components of communicating with your child, focusing on the development of a common emotional language. Learn about the four assumptions of emotionality that parents often make and discover strategies to foster a safe and open environment for meaningful conversations at any age.

Check out Dr. Marcus’ website at parentrx.org

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

– GreatDad.com/coaching 

– GreatDad.com/pq 

– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC  

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

145. Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus
145. Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus
May 13, 2025
Paul Banas
144. Exploring Mindful Fatherhood with Odeani Mc Bean
May 6, 2025
Paul Banas
143. Overcoming Dad Burnout with Scott Anderson
April 29, 2025
Paul Banas
142. Building Resilient Kids with Dr. Richard Oelberger
April 24, 2025
Paul Banas
141. Exploring Men’s Sexual Health with Dr. Elliot Justin
April 22, 2025
Paul Banas
140. Instilling Values and Financial Literacy with Barclay Roper
April 15, 2025
Paul Banas
139. Adaptive Cooking Tools and Techniques with Douglas Katz
April 8, 2025
Paul Banas
138. Exploring Masculinity and Men’s Groups with Jason Lange
April 1, 2025
Paul Banas
137. Modern Tech for Kids with Damien Schreurs
March 25, 2025
Paul Banas
136. Addressing the Gender Education Gap with Sean Kullman
March 18, 2025
Paul Banas
Search Results placeholder

More to See

Barclay Roper and Paul Banas on Great Dad Talks

Instilling Values and Financial Literacy with Barclay Roper

April 17, 2025 By Paul Banas

Adaptive Cooking Tools and Techniques with Douglas Katz

April 24, 2025 By Paul Banas

Copyright © 2025 . GreatDad