Remember Laptop-Shooting Dad, the frustrated father who made that video of shooting his teenage daughter's laptop? I've never seen so much support for another parent like we saw for Tommy Jordan. It was astonishing, like the whole world was releasing its frustrations over teenage behavior all at once! My goodness, that's a lot of parental angst.
Well, Tommy had no idea that video would explode the way it did. And he's been fighting off all the attention (including an offer for a TV show!) ever since. Finally, the dust settled a little bit. Tommy and his daughter, Hannah Marie, agreed to be on Today. And I was yet again amazed, but now for a different reason.
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Tommy and Hannah Marie seem to have a good relationship. Okay, I guess I'm in the minority here, but I kind of thought shooting the laptop was extreme. Tommy could have just donated it to a school. But I also saw a lot of pain and frustration in his eyes and in this voice (the stammering, the quivering) and I did feel for him. And when I heard his story, I could completely understand why his daughter's behavior unhinged him.
This whole incident could have been toxic to Tommy's relationship with his daughter. But it looks like they came through it healthy and with a better understanding of each other. And that makes me think that, despite the laptop-shooting incident, they probably had a solid foundation for their relationship. They probably really talk to each other, and listen to each other.
Hannah Marie says she gets it. "I think he overreacted a little bit, but I understand." And Tommy says, "I have a great daughter. She made a mistake that day. I made a mistake that day." Wow, Dad admitting he made a mistake! That goes a long way in winning the trust of a teenager. He may have a nutty way of showing he cares, but I bet Hannah ultimately feels loved.
P.S. Before shooting, Tommy saved his daughter's data. Awwww!
Would your relationship with your teen survive something like this?
Image via NBC