For those who watch Supernanny...a few questions

1) i dont mean to sound naive but are those kids really that bad? Or do they show the WORST footage?


2) What do you do to prevent this behavior shown on the show?

Re: For those who watch Supernanny...a few questions

I watched the show last night. I really think those kids are that bad. The mother had NO control over them. Yeah, she told them to stop, but when they didn't nothing happened to them. The mom just started crying and felt overwhelmed. And that father wasn't much help either.

Obviously, I don't have all the answers on preventing that type of behavior, but, if I've learned anything from Jo, it's follow through on discipline. From a young age if you give a child a warning that they are doing something bad, and they do it again, stick to the warning, and put them in time out, take away privileges, etc. I think that will probably teach show them that you mean business when they are doing something they are not supposed to.

ETA: Those boys from last night also seemed like they may have had more severe problems than just not being disciplined (I don't know maybe ADHD or something). Jo never really addresses that sort of thing with the kids or parents.

Message edited 8/21/2008 9:06:59 AM.

Re: For those who watch Supernanny...a few questions

I watch the show from time to time, and while they edit and you don't see the nicer moments, yes, I think a lot of the kids are that bad.

There are often a lot of kids in the families they pick, and one or both of the parents just don't set boundaries with them effectively. That's what it seems to come down to again and again. Also, they either scream at the kids or say nothing. I think you need to give them boundaries consistently and speak to them in a tone that shows you mean business, but isn't disrespectful to them at the same time.

Easy for me to say--my baby is still too young to be defiant.

Re: For those who watch Supernanny...a few questions

Yes, I'm sure there are kids out there who ARE that bad. I think if you combine a highly spirited, tempermental personality with parents who don't enforce any discipline, set boundaries and/or don't take enough of a real interest in their children, you will have a lethal combination that will result in a nightmare for a child.

I could EASILY see my daughter becoming like that, if it wasn't for DH and I who firmly guide her energy and defiance in the right direction.

Re: For those who watch Supernanny...a few questions

One major thing I've noticed with Jo's show, and other nanny shows, is that 90% or more of the focus is towards the parents. With some families, they don't even "fix" the kids. Once the parents follow through with discipline, the kids automatically fall in line. Some may need some additional help, but most of the time, it's just the parents.

Re: For those who watch Supernanny...a few questions

yup... i think a lot of the kids are that bad!
i agree that the main thing seems to be when the parents don't follow through with discipline. the child never learns that the parents "mean business", becasue the parents never follow through with taking away privledges, time outs, etc... that and having consistent rules so the child knows what is expected of them

Re: For those who watch Supernanny...a few questions

I don't know but last night those kids were crazy! I don't have much experience as DD is only 3 mths old, but kids that young need guidance and some boundaries or they WILL get that bad IMO.