There was even a scene in Ep 15 where Henry wanted to get a bunch of junk food from the diner and Emma said no. I think that Emma acts like a mother to Henry. I think that people should still be playful with their children. Talk to them like people. I think the biggest reason why Emma can’t parent Henry properly is because she doesn’t have custody. She doesn’t have any real say. Like it is a little strange that Henry is walking around town at night by himself and Regina doesn’t even seem to notice that whereas i think Emma would notice it. It reminds me of two parents who are split up, but one has full time custody. Regina and Emma don’t get along so they fight over Henry. And Regina has custody so she is the one with the authority to make the calls though at the same time she seems completely neglectful never being aware of where Henry really is.
I do think parenting is very difficult. No one is perfect at it, but i think the fact that Emma cares, really cares about what is best for Henry and Regina doesn’t seem to care even enough to be aware of where he is and is willing to hurt him to prove that she has the control in the situation is enough for me. And maybe not in the court of law, but in the court of show law should Emma have custody that is enough for me.
I think i just know too many kids that grew up in bad split homes or bad adopted homes or got shipped around to different foster homes. It is not an easy thing.