Top 10 Most Relatable Modern Family Moments
#10: Walking Around a Broken Step “Baby Steps”
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Every household has a perpetually broken item. In the Dunphy household, it’s a faulty step. From Season 1 onward, Phil repeatedly notes that he needs to fix that step, but the task is put on hold for over a decade. Whether it’s a crooked shelf or a loose doorknob, fixing these blemishes is never at the top of our to-do lists. After all, they’re just minor inconveniences that are easy to ignore. The longer you ignore a little problem, though, the bigger it can get. You probably won’t notice how big a problem has gotten until somebody gets their foot stuck in it. This is exactly what happens in Season 11 when Claire falls through the step just as Phil committed to repairing it.
#9: Realizing Your Child Is No Longer a Virgin “Virgin Territory”
A lot of parents will always view their children as precisely that, children. Yet, a parent is bound to see their child at least a little differently once they become sexually active. Like most subjects, this sitcom tackled the loss of virginity through a modern lens. Claire is understanding when she learns that Haley and Dylan consummated their relationship. After Alex accidentally spills the beans to Phil, though, it’s an awkward adjustment for everyone. Phil doesn’t scream or shame Haley, but the ensuing silence can be almost as uncomfortable. It isn’t until later that Phil finds the right words that he should’ve said from the get-go. Phil still manages to convey that he loves and trusts Haley, reaching a relatable reconciliation.
#8: The Chaos of Getting a Family Photo “Family Portrait”
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Getting a family photo shouldn’t be that hard. You all pose for a few minutes, and you’re done, right? As we see in the Season 1 finale, assembling your family for a photo is more like wrangling wild horses. What’s more, the horses all have to wear matching outfits, remain still, and smile! Even when everyone finally shows up, there may be some buried tension and hostility that arises at the worst time, making it hard to keep up the happy family facade. You can often tell which family photos were orchestrated to the point of feeling artificial and which ones captured a genuine moment of family bonding. In this case, the family gets their Kodak moment once they decide to roll with their imperfections.
#7: The Emotions Following a Near-Death Experience “The Day We Almost Died”
Even if you’re lucky enough never to be involved in a horrible car accident, many of us can identify with close calls. The Dunphys and Manny experience that sudden jolt when an average noisy car ride nearly turns into a collision. Everybody processes the almost fatal crash in different (yet relatable) ways. Luke evaluates the things he’s put off, Phil is motivated to take more chances, and Manny is afraid to get back into a vehicle. Haley is just relieved that her phone survived. That sounds shallow, but let’s be honest. Even if you have everything backed up, losing a phone can feel like losing a part of yourself. That said, we’d share Alex’s frustration if our sister prioritized their phone over their own sibling.
#6: Electronics Getting to You “Fifteen Percent”
Technology is supposed to make life simpler. If you know how to use a device, it probably will. If you don’t, it can feel like trying to solve a riddle without an answer. The most patient person in your family can be pushed to their breaking point when technology enters the mix. A universal remote proves to be Claire’s Achilles’ heel. When pressing all the buttons doesn’t work, she does the next most rational thing: smash the useless, expensive gadget! The learning curve is one thing, but Phil’s teaching methods further fuel Claire’s animosity toward new tech. Claire gets a grasp on technology by Season 6, demonstrating how devices can keep families connected and provide vital tools in online sleuthing.
#5: Not Feeling Pretty Anymore “Ten Years Later”
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As much as Jay and Gloria love each other, both are well aware that one is (and always will be) out of the other’s league. Gloria starts to see herself in a different light on their tenth anniversary. A decade after saying “I do,” Gloria turns into a bridezilla upon finding that her wedding dress no longer fits. No matter how confident, healthy, and radiant a person is, there’s bound to be a day when insecurity takes over. When you’re Gloria Pritchett, that might sound baffling, but anyone who has outgrown an article of clothing will know how she feels. Jay assures Gloria that what she’s experiencing is normal and that whatever changes await, he’ll adore her all the same. That’s why she married him.
#4: The Struggles of Adopting “Baby on Board”
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Cam and Mitch became parents in the pilot, but bringing another child into their family captures the complexities of adoption. It can be a drawn-out endeavor, and just when it appears that patience is going to pay off, your excitement may turn to disappointment. Learning that their newborn baby is going to remain with their biological family, Cam and Mitch are both devastated. Although neither had a chance to meet the baby, the future they were mapping out is suddenly shattered. Their subsequent breakdown will resonate with anyone who’s faced setbacks on the road to parenthood. It also serves as a reminder that you need to take care of yourself so that when the time comes, you can take care of your bundle of joy.
#3: School Pressure “Under Pressure”
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For some, a sweet sixteen is a time to cut loose. For Alex, it’s more like a mid-life crisis as the pressures of schoolwork manifest into a smashed cake. Being the most gifted Dunphy child, one might assume that school comes the easiest to Alex. It isn’t until Claire sits through one of Alex’s advanced classes that she realizes school can be just as stressful as a full-time job. Meanwhile, Alex unpacks her internal and external pressure in therapy, getting to the root of her breakdown. Alex feels as if she can’t confide in her family about her struggles, figuring that they wouldn’t understand. When Claire recognizes the pressure her daughter must experience, Alex feels seen and so do any viewers who’ve taken the SATs.
#2: Missing Your Family at College “Schooled”
Throughout high school, all you wanted was some distance from your family. Arriving at college, that dream finally comes true… and it lasts about five minutes until loneliness creeps in. Looking around a dining hall of strangers, it dawns on Haley that she’s in a new, intimidating environment. Her parents might not be there to hold her hand, but they’re only a phone call away. Before Phil and Claire even get home, Haley gives them a ring, just wanting to hear their voices. While Haley is relieved to know that her parents are always there for her, Phil and Claire take solace in knowing that they haven’t lost their little girl. Every family member grows up, but that doesn’t mean you have to grow apart. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Getting Rid Of an Aging Car, “The Old Wagon” Being Long Past Its Prime Doesn’t Make Letting Go Any Easier Annoying Smoke Detectors, “Chirp” Yeah, We Know They’re Important, But Whenever We Hear One, We Get Fired Up Paying the Bill at Dinner, “Playdates” There’s Always That One Couple Who Never Reaches for the Check Having an Empty Nest That’s Still Full, “Alone Time” Even When The Kids Move Out, Alone Time Is Just Out of Reach Trying to Have It All, “Kids These Days” That Moment When Career & Parenthood Unexpectedly Collide
#1: Jay Accepting Mitch “The Wedding”
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When a person comes out, some parents are immediately supportive, others never come around, and the rest need time. In the first episode, Jay has gotten to a point where he accepts Mitch. However, he hasn’t entirely accepted his son. The series realistically explores the baby steps a lot of parents take in accepting their children. While you never doubt the love that Jay has for his son, Mitch senses that there’ll always be some hesitation on his father’s part. It isn’t until his wedding day that Mitch sees that his father gets him. Following a series of disasters, Jay finds Mitch and Cam a wedding venue at his country club. Walking Mitch down the aisle, the show rounds out Jay’s relatable journey to acceptance. Which “Modern Family” moment reflected your life? Let us know in the comments.
