Ep 8. Encourage, Discourage

Katie (played by Katy Mixon) is struggling to find a way to motivate Anna-Kat (played by Julia Butters) to perform better in school, especially in her math class. Meanwhile, Greg (played by Diedrich Bader) is trying to teach Oliver (played by Daniel DiMaggio) some life skills, like changing a tire, but is quickly discovering that his son is not very interested in learning anything new.

In an effort to help Anna-Kat with her math woes, Katie takes matters into her own hands and decides to become her daughter's tutor. However, her "motivational" methods quickly become more discouraging than helpful, much to Anna-Kat's dismay. At the same time, Greg's attempts to bond with Oliver are also hitting a wall, as his son refuses to listen to his advice on everything from car maintenance to cooking.

As the two parents struggle to connect with their kids, they turn to their own parents for guidance. Katie's mother, Kathryn (played by Wendie Malick), comes to town and offers some unconventional advice on how to motivate Anna-Kat. Greg's mother, Margaret (played by Pamela Reed), also pays a visit and tries to help her son connect with Oliver in a way that he can relate to.

Throughout the episode, the two parents try various methods to encourage and motivate their children, some successful and others not so much. But in the end, they both realize that sometimes the best way to show support is simply by being present and listening to what their kids have to say.

Overall, "Encourage, Discourage" is an episode that explores the challenges of parenting and the importance of communication within families. With its relatable themes and heartwarming moments, it's a must-watch for fans of American Housewife and anyone who's ever been a parent or child themselves. So, the episode is a perfect blend of comedy and life lessons that showcase the beauty of familial relationships.