I recently caught a replay of last Tuesday's episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County. I must admit that I am a fan of the show. It is my favorite of all of the Housewives shows, and I watch it regularly. One aspect of this episode really stood out for me, and that is a complete lack of what I feel is appropriate and responsible parenting.

In this particular episode titled "The Girls Play," new housewive Lynne has a dinner party, and yes, alcohol makes an appearance.  Which is perfectly fine, as the invited guests include the other housewives as well as other adult friends.  However, during the party Lynne's oldest daughter Raquel and several of her friends decide to crash and end up sampling a few of the cocktails.  In previous episodes Lynne has addressed her daughter's behavior by saying that she does not condone her daughter's drinking, however, she understands that teenagers do drink.  Lynne says that she wants her daughter to feel like she can call her if she has been drinking and needs a ride home.  During the party Lynne's husband echoes the same sentiment by saying that he too does not condone Raquel's drinking, but that he would rather her drink in front of him as opposed to somewhere else. 

My initial reaction was mixed.  On one hand I appreciated the open, honest, and non-judgmental relationship that the family seems to share, and on the other hand I didn't feel comfortable with Raquel, who is eighteen, being allowed to sneak cocktails downstairs to enjoy with her friends.  Then, something interesting happened.  A conversation at the party that Raquel had with Jeana completely changed my opinion.  Raquel told Jeana that she had gone to Horizons, which is a high school for students with behavioral problems.  She also said that she had gone to college, but had dropped out and now she is doing nothing.

This revelation made me realize that Lynne and her husband are only enabling their troubled daughter.  I understand that teenagers don't always engage in behaviors that their parents approve of (I was a teenager myself four years ago), but if those behaviors force a teenager to attend a school that is specifically designed for those who have had behavioral problems, then that teenager does NOT need to be allowed to consume alcohol in her parent's home.

"The Girls Play" also featured another storyline where parenting styles can be called into question.  Jeana and Vicki go to watch Jeana's son Shane's baseball game. Before the ladies even arrived at the ballpark Jeana received numerous profanity filled text messages from her son stating that she and Vicki would regret coming there. Shane was apparently upset and embarrassed that he might not get to play during the game, so he didn't see any point in Vicki and Jeana coming to watch him sit on the bench. Magically, Shane was put in the game and he ended up being awarded "Player of the Game." Afterward, as it was a fan appreciation game, the crowd, including Jeana and Vicki went out onto the field to greet the players. Later that evening at dinner Shane told Jeana that she was lucky that he didn't throw a bat at her when she walked out onto the field. THROW A BAT AT HER? Some of Shane's other dinner conversation included stating that something his mother had just said was the stupidest thing he had ever heard, and that if she died he would have a lot more money.

I normally don't agree with much of what Vicki says, but I feel that her take on the way that Jeana's sons treat her is accurate.  Vicki said that their behavior was a direct reflection the way that Jeana's husband Matt treated her (Jeana and Matt are now separated).  Jeana appears as though that she isn't bothered by the way that her sons speak to her and passes their behavior off with a "boys will be boys" attitude.  However, I think that beneath the surface she is truly troubled, and in some ways blames herself for their behavior and sees herself as a failure.

Jeana should take a stand against the vile things that her sons say to her, as well as the complete lack of disrespect that they show to her.  She should demand that she not be treated in such a way, and really tell them how their comments and behaviors make her feel.  Jeana needs to stop making excuses, and take control of her situation.  If she doesn't it will probably affect the way that she allows other relationships in her life to be conducted, particularly with any future men in her life.  Although, I don't recommend slapping her sons across the face as Vicki suggested.

The new episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County airs tonight on Bravo at 10:00pm EST.