Five Important Lessons Danny Tanner Taught Us

2022 started off difficult for many Americans when the unexpected news dropped on January 9th that Bob Saget was found unconscious in his hotel room in Florida following a comedy show, and pronounced dead on the scene. Bob Saget, a comedian, but famously known for his role as Danny Tanner on Full House, died at the young age of 65. The cause of death unfortunately remains unclear.

For those of us who grew up on Full House, and later, Fuller House, this news was especially devastating. If you have never seen Full House (first of all, get on Amazon Prime or YouTube immediately), it was a classic 90s sitcom about a recent widower, Danny Tanner, raising three young girls in San Francisco with the help of his brother-in-law, “Uncle Jesse”, and best friend, Joey. Full House chronicles the difficult parenting journey the three men share raising three little girls together, and teaches viewers many valuable lessons about parenting, love, family, and life in general. These are five of the most important lessons Danny Tanner taught us:

1. Hug it out – Danny was always a big hugger and there was no conflict that couldn’t be resolved with a hug or a gentle “I still love you”. Every family fights. Every parent says something they wish they could take back, but always hug your loved ones. Tell them how much you love them. You never know when it will be the last time that you can do so.
2. Never be afraid to ask for help – Danny’s wife passed away at a young age leaving him with an infant, a toddler, and a young child. He recruited his brother-in-law and best friend to move in with him and help him raise his daughters, and they did so happily. Remember, it takes a village. It’s better to ask for help than struggle in silence. Those who love you will always be happy to lend a helping hand in any way they can.
3. You will always have to take responsibility for your actions – One thing Danny was always good at teaching his girls is that there are consequences/responsibilities associated with everything so it’s important to make thoughtful decisions. Remember when Comet’s mom ran into their backyard, fully pregnant, and had all of her babies in the Tanner house? The girls wanted to keep one of the puppies and Danny only allowed it if each of them took responsibility for the puppy – walking him, feeding him, etc.
4. An apology can go a long way – Everyone makes mistakes, but the most important thing to do is to own up to your mistake and apologize for it. Even Danny himself made so many mistakes with the girls along the way, especially being a single dad to three daughters, but he was never too big to apologize if he did something wrong and make it right.
5. Love yourself the way you are – When 13-year-old D.J. was going to be attending her best friend’s pool party, she became obsessive about losing weight so she would look good in a bathing suit, to the point where she fainted because she didn’t eat enough and exercised too much. Danny explained that everyone has insecurities, no one is perfect, and it’s important to take care of yourself and love yourself the way you are. D.J.’s insecurity may have been her weight, but Danny’s was his height, and he showed her that everyone has something they are insecure about, but if you love yourself, everyone else will love you too.