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Fred Andrews of Netflix’s Riverdale: Single Dad of the Year

Writing this after watching the funeral service of Fred Andrews, the best father of the Netflix series ‘Riverdale’, makes it more emotional and sad. But, it was refreshing to see the positive aspects of gentle parenting in the series that I want to write about it.

With a common misconception around Indian households that parenting is almost always the mother’s expertise, this series, and especially Fred Andrews, proved it otherwise. We normally believe that cooking, disciplining and supporting a kid emotionally and morally are a mother’s responsibilities.

Sometimes, we go further by imagining that single fathers are terrible at parenting. I am not against single dads remarrying after the divorce or death of their spouse. But, the dialogue singled out every time in Indian households with single dads is this: “You can’t raise the child alone. You need to marry someone else.”

Why are we asking someone to remarry if they’re not responsible enough for their children? Who would want to remarry such people, anyway? Fred Andrews breaks all of these myths of a terrible single parent throughout the series.

“I am here for you”

Now, that’s the best quality of any relationship- to be present when someone needs them. Fred Andrews does the best job by sticking to his son’s side through thick and thin. He proves that he always has his son’s back many times throughout the series.

I love cooking for you

I wish Indians stop saying, “why should we follow the West?” at least for this point. Fred cooks for his son, Archie, every day, and as a single dad, he does a better job. Do you know that men can cook too? And do you also know that dad’s cooking is full of love?

No Macho, Sensitivity only!

Fred Andrews is not a typical macho father figure. Instead, he takes time to understand and relate to Archie’s emotions and feelings. If you think only mothers specialise in ‘The Talk’ with kids, then Fred is here to prove you are wrong. The way he asks, “Do you wanna talk?” with Archie is enough to award him the best dad of the year.

“Football?” or “Music?”

Mr Andrews is the best supporter of his son, Archie. There is no way that this dad wants to force anything on his kid. So, when Archie was interested in playing football or music, the best dad of the year supported him wholeheartedly. When Archie decided to pursue boxing, Fred did hesitate to support Archie.

However, I am not saying that Fred Andrews understood everything because he read fifty books on parenting. He had his hiccups when Archie chose music for his dream. Fred did not understand why anyone would choose music to be a career. He was also scared that Archie wouldn’t be able to make money out of music.

Archie confronted Fred about Fred’s insecurities and fears. Instead of feeling offensive, Fred made efforts to learn what the dreams meant to Archie. He always wants to be a part of his son’s life.

“No matter what…”

We would all have said ‘no matter what’s at different times in life to different people. But, do we mean it? Fred Andrews sets a benchmark for ‘no matter what, by forgiving Archie’s choices, decisions and behaviours multiple times.

When Archie had an affair with Ms Grundy (the infamous music teacher of Riverdale), Fred, instead of criticising Archie’s poor choice, simply said, “It is not your fault Archie.”

Another time, when Archie supported his girlfriend Veronica’s father, the infamous villain of Riverdale, Hiram Lodge, on crimes and murders, Fred Andrews did not advise or threaten Archie to do the right thing. Instead, Fred waited patiently for his teenage son to learn the lesson the hard way.

“You are not an idiot, Archie. You just have a big heart.”

Fred Andrews to his son Archibald Andrews on ‘Riverdale’

Own Up

I did not see a single advice session from Fred Andrews to his son. Because this amazing father practised what he wanted Archie to learn. When Fred was in a relationship with Hermione Lodge, he spoke with Archie about it so his son won’t feel uncomfortable.

I protect you

Many parents make the kids take the place of emotional or physical carers. Fred made it clear to Archie that he will always protect Archie, and it is never the other way around.

I love you even when I am angry with you

It was so beautiful to see Fred Andrews finishing his job by building the musical set for Riverdale High, even when he disagreed with Archie. He did not leave the set because he fought with Archie. What else could be a better example for ‘put your emotions aside and finish your job’? Also, Fred taught us that you can love a person when you still hate how they dealt with some problems.

Died a Hero

Fred Andrews proved that heroes come in different shapes and sizes. Someone normal like Fred living in a small town with a mediocre job proved that heroism shines through help for others. Even in his death, Fred imparted us all a lesson: “It is never too late to help someone in life.”

If I could trade Fred’s death with the characters that escaped death in Riverdale, I would honestly do it for Fred Andrews. You could yell, scream or make mistakes when you are a parent. But, it all comes to one question: “Do you make amends?”

If you are ready to learn, then parenting is not such a scary ride.

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