The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been joined by a similar nanny-to-the-rescue show called "Supernanny." These shows depict families in which the children are extremely out of control, rebellious, spoiled or otherwise quite a handful. The nannies come in for a week (from sunrise to bedtime each day), helping the family get back on track by teaching the parents effective parenting skills and modeling these skills firsthand with the children.
I have to admit to having only seen one episode of "Nanny 911," but, speaking as a parenting educator, I was impressed. The nanny sent to the rescue knew her stuff. She taught the parents to set limits, how to discipline using logical consequences and how to be firm and calm at the same time. She was good enough--and here's a huge compliment coming--to have been an Active Parenting leader. In fact, at one point, as the passive father is learning to be more involved, these words appear on the screen: "Father is becoming a more active parent."
Although I'm not a big reality TV fan in general, I think these two particular shows can be of real value to a lot of parents. They provide useful information and teach good parenting skills. Let's face it--if it works with these dysfunctional families, these skills will probably work for you, too!
And here's the good news: you don't have to be on a reality show to learn effective parenting skills. Parenting classes are available all over the country. You can watch the videos, consult with a parent educator, and share ideas with other parents just like you. To find one in your community, check with your child's school guidance counselor. Many classes are also listed on our web site.
But however you decide to improve your family life, please keep making the effort. Parenting is not the only influence on a child's life...but it's the one you can do the most about.
Dr. Popkin is a former child and family therapist in Atlanta. He founded Active Parenting Publishers in 1983 to help parents raise responsible children who are able to face life's challenges. His free, online "What's Your Parenting Style?" quiz is a popular way for parents to spot the strengths and weaknesses of their style. http://www.activeparenting.com/parents.htm
recurring maid service Wilmette ..It's no surprise that the self-image and self-esteem of overweight... Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More
Many families, ours included, have learned that breakfast is eaten... Read More
Child support is defined as that part of your income... Read More
Despite the theory that people have kids because they want... Read More
You've just received a call from your child's teacher. As... Read More
Though you can cover even very long distances by car... Read More
When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More
Every summer our daughter goes to summer camp. She looks... Read More
Many people still think that the game of chess is... Read More
There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More
Corolle Paul or Emma Drink-and-Wet SET potty dollsThis is the... Read More
Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life. However,... Read More
When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
So your little Susie wants to join a competitive gymnastic... Read More
Q. I need your help with a question about my... Read More
Ever blown your top to your children, only to regret... Read More
It's sometimes difficult to find ways to be involved with... Read More
Do you have a young child whose weight or eating... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
I have always found the notion of toilet training a... Read More
Search for Assurance: The Power of BelongingThe job hunt is... Read More
Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More
Puberty can be a difficult time for children. Not quite... Read More
Paula's last child had just gone off to college and... Read More
It was at that time when our marriage was falling... Read More
Get into their world. The world that teens are growing... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
I was changing Ford's diaper the other day when he... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Dear Vijay,I worry about not being a good parent. My... Read More
Information is gold when you are adopted. Every tiny piece... Read More
Software for parental control is a useful tool, if applied... Read More
Young people generally want to fit in to their various... Read More
When my firstborn arrived into this serene and peaceful household,... Read More
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way... Read More
Parenting |