Guys with Kids Episode 1.04 The Standoff

The guys roll into the bar with their strollers and babies in tow, not wanting to hang out at Chuck E. Cheese's because, ironically enough, they don't want to be surrounded by kids. It turns out that Gary's running into a little trouble disciplining one of his sons, and he admits that he's in need of a tougher approach. He remembers how strict his own father was and declares that he needs to break Yoda down like his father broke him.

All three families are gathered at Gary's for Sunday night dinner. Chris reveals that his son can only fall asleep if Chris is sleeping in a chair next to him, and Marny sternly tells him that every child needs to be sleep trained. Admiring a model of the Brooklyn Bridge made out of popsicle sticks that Gary constructed for a school assignment, Nick realizes he also has to help his daughter make a model. After Yoda gives Gary severe attitude and Marny tries to intervene, Gary kindly asks her to butt out so he can learn to handle things himself. Marny butts out by setting down her child and fleeing to Chris' apartment to sleep train his baby.

Meanwhile, Gary is trying to discipline Yoda by not allowing him to leave the table until he finishes his dinner. Upstairs, Marny has locked Chris out of his own apartment in an attempt to sleep train Ernie. Soon, everyone gathers at Nick's apartment. Nick is trying to build a true-to-life model of the Brooklyn Bridge, ignoring the suggestions of his daughter, which include purple paint and a Cinderella doll. Desperate, Gary comes to Nick's apartment and asks the guys what he should do about Yoda. Nick attempts to give Yoda a pep talk, rebel to rebel, but Yoda rudely tells him to mind his own business.

With Nick and Chris now on his team, Gary continues to try to break Yoda. The trio does all of Yoda's favorite activities in front of him (including eating Peeps, playing basketball and even constructing an indoor Slip 'N Slide) but don't allow Yoda to join in until he finishes his dinner. Clearly, the grown men are having a lot of fun themselves. Gary even wakes up Yoda's brother, Clarkie, so he can also join in on the fun. When Gary accidentally breaks his Brooklyn Bridge, Clarkie is devastated. Now both sons are angry and uncooperative.

Attempting to cheer Gary up, Nick and Chris tell Gary that he specializes in piggyback rides and school projects. It's all right that he isn't an intimidating father figure like his own father was; that's what Marny is there for. Gary and Chris head upstairs, where they discover that Marny has failed at sleep training Ernie. Chris is fine with this and admits that he enjoys sleeping next to his son. Gary understands that Marny is essential to their family dynamic and asks her to butt back in.

Entering the apartment, Marny takes charge. She tells the boys that they have no idea how good they've got it; their father goes to all their baseball games, buys them ice cream for dinner and stays home with them� voluntarily. Clarkie apologizes and heads to bed, while Gary and Yoda have a heart-to-heart. Gary explains that he's always asking Yoda to do stuff because he's the oldest, and that's never going to change. Gary wants him and Yoda to be friends when they're older, just like Chris and his father are. With the help of some Peeps, they laugh and reconcile.

The next morning Nick reveals his finished Brooklyn Bridge to Violet. She is clearly disappointed, and so Nick puts his competitive spirit aside and allows his daughter to decorate her project as she sees fit, feathers and all.