Transference in Modern Family

By: Daren Bradshaw

There are many TV shows that demonstrate transference in a variety of ways. One show that I felt this was obvious in was Modern Family. Phil likes to see himself as the “cool” Dad.  A dedicated family man; he always teases his wife Claire and constantly try to find ways to bond with his three kids. Phil uses a parenting method that he refers to as peerenting, a combination of talking like a peer but acting like a parent. Throughout the show this style of leadership gets his kids to not only relate to him but ultimately get everyone marching to the same beat. Phil always attends all of his kids schooling and sporting events to cheer them on and supports them. He knows that his all of his kids look up to him as a dad. In his words, “If my son thinks of me as one of his idiot friends, I’ve succeeded as a Dad.” For example, when his daughter Haley wants to have her boyfriend Dylan move in, he helps to convince Claire (Mom) to allow it. Shortly after Dylan moves in, Phil realizes that he hates the situation and can’t take it anymore. Phil then tries to convince Claire to kick Dylan out so he can remain the cool Dad. This is just one of many examples of Phil trying to be more like a brother then a Dad when it comes to his kids. Ultimately, Phil just wants them all to like him even if it means sometimes letting them run the show.