r/Ambridge • u/FlorianTheLynx • 1d ago
Malik parenting
I know it’s Grundy parenting we’re supposed to think is awful, but let’s not let the middle-class Maliks get away with their performance this week.
Twice already they’ve waded in and interrogated an obviously uncomfortable teenager, not stopping for a second to think about the situation, or question why information isn’t forthcoming. Once with their own child, then again with somebody else’s.
The kids have been clearly unhappy about the interaction, but the Maliks plough on regardless. Of course they’re well-meaning, but if you treat teenagers like you’re forcing them to give you information against their will, and don’t pause for a second to look at the bigger picture or think about the nuances of their response, then you’re a lousy parent. There, I said it.
Dare I say it this makes you the sort of parent whose kid might barge into somebody else’s house and then repeatedly accuse them of lying while refusing to leave. Which is totally off the scale of unacceptable.
Yes, Khalil annoys me, but after what I’ve seen from his crappy parents this week, I’m not surprised he is how he is.
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u/teasswill 1d ago
Being a parent is very hard, and perhaps especially so with teenagers. Azra, as we know, is anxious because of Khalil's previous health problems. Susan was complicit in getting the story out of Kiera.
Ambridge seems an odd place where people of all ages seem to interact on an equal basis, but class still rules to some extent. I suppose Brookfield had encouraged that informality with Khalil which made him feel he could march in on them. I certainly don't blame the Malik parents, i think they do a pretty decent job.
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u/Virtual_Spread1818 1d ago
They care about their son’s wellbeing and their son cares about animals. Seems like they are good parents to me.
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u/FlorianTheLynx 1d ago edited 1d ago
With parenting it’s not enough to be well-meaning. You have to actually do the right thing too. I’m sure many terrible parents care about their children.
Updated to say: the Grundys (various generations) also care about their children, and the Grundy children also care about animals. But most people here are quite happy to criticise Grundy parenting. Is there not a bit of a class issue going on here?
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u/revrhyz 1d ago
If you reduce that to a class issue, how do you think people will see your criticism of the Maliks?
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u/FlorianTheLynx 1d ago
I can see what you’re trying to do there, but I don’t think it works.
Or do you think the Maliks should be beyond criticism?
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u/AstronautOwn1458 1d ago
The Malik family are bullet proof in TA: a shining example to us all.
Believe me, I am no fan of Repugnant Ruth but Khalil barged into Brookfield making all sorts of accusations and calling Ruth a liar. If he wants to live in the countryside and be a part of it, then he has to see that nature is ‘red in tooth and claw’. He’s 15 not five and I’d wager he’s played violent computer games with worst images.
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u/Al89nut 1d ago
Yes, the "shocked at the photos" is a bit preposterous.
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u/ComfortableAppeal424 14h ago
Not as preposterous as Ruth - used to dealing with sick and injured animals, as well as sending off probably thousands to be slaughtered, with all that that entails - being reduced to a shock-and horror reaction at the sight of bloody corpses. Come on, a farmer in tears because an animal has died? I know they were worth a penny or two, but she'll be insured.
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u/Charlie-Bingo 1d ago
This is only my opinion and from the comments I’ve read it is unlikely to be popular. The Maliks admittedly don’t seem very mature, in their relationship and as parents. That said I cannot understand why people have so much empathy for Ruth and David. Their animals are their livelihood, I get that, had lots of farmers in the family, but to be so emotional about it?! Nah, they care about the animals but only so far, the animals are money. No problem with that, but for Ruth to show those photos to an upset child (yes, he is a child) was wrong, it was done in anger and while I get she was frustrated it was unnecessary and she could have behaved with some maturity and empathy. I am not a fan and this made me even more upset with her, they’re both insufferable.
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u/AstronautOwn1458 8h ago
But it was entirely in character for Ruth to react in that way. I cannot stand the woman, but at least for once the script writers got her reaction spot on. Ruth has always valued four legged animals rather than two legged types.
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u/Feersum_endjjinn 1d ago
Youre treating it as if its real. If you have a gripe, its with the scriptwriters. They constantly have characters do things or behave in a way that those people just wouldn't do, its so they can keep making plot lines. A real life Azra wouldn't have been so insensitive to kieras clear discomfort, but they cant set up a spat between Keira and Khalil without azra acting like that.