Date of Release: 1993
Rating: PG-13
Synopsis: How far would an ordinary father go to spend more time with his children? Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is no ordinary father, so when he learns his ex-wife (Sally Field) needs a housekeeper, he applies for the job. With the perfect wig, a little makeup and a dress for all occasions, he becomes Mrs. Doubtfire, a devoted British housekeeper who is hired on the spot. Free to be the "woman" he never knew he could be the disguised Daniel creates a whole new life with his entire family."
Children’s ages and gender: Daughter 13, son 12, daughter 5.
Married 14 years.
Points in video addressed in FOK:
Son blames his birthday as causing divorce. Father assures son this is not the
case…
Youngest child wants dad to feel good thoughts about mommy…
Mother an hour late to drop off and hour early to pick up an issue of conflict…
As Mrs. Doubtfire, father tells ex-wife not appropriate to bash father in front of kids…
Jealous when sees ex-wife kiss new boyfriend…(spying)
Finances are a major issue for the father
Co-parenting that encourages the involvement of both parents.
For Fathers:
Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) evolves from a Disneyland Dad in an intact family to
an authoritative dad as Mrs. Doubtfire, reading, helping with homework, setting limits,
teaching skills (such as soccer).
Father initially treated as incompetent to handle household tasks. (stereotype)
For Mothers:
Miranda Hillard (Sally Fields) to "punish" the father, goes to court and
seeks custody with father granted limited supervised visitation.
For both Parents:
The difficulties in finding quality child care—in this case a nanny—are
shown in this video.
Dating-- Stuart Dunmeyer (Pearce Brosnan), an old flame of Mrs. Hillard, rekindles a romance. (Quick acceptance by the children and myth of near-instant love of the children is a bit hokey.)
Especially helpful for Children:
At the end Mrs. Doubtfire notes diversity of families and that family structure does
not mean one type of family is better than others.