As a parenting coach, I have checked in a couple of times to the Super Nanny show because every once in awhile parents ask me about it. I tuned in recently to see what was going on.
I feel badly about the family situations that are on the show. Bless them for seeking parenting help. I know that every parent experiences moments where they could use some help at different times in the parenting journey, although the situations on the Super Nanny are more extreme.
The person playing the Super Nanny seems to genuinely care about helping families. I do not doubt her motives. She presents some sound thinking and reasonable guidelines for appropriate behavior.
I would like to comment on the reality show. I think it is unreasonable for people watching, to think such family transformations happen overnight, or in a week - as implied by the show. I hope viewers will remember the show is produced and edited. Enough said.
Significant change can definitely take place, beginning immediately. It is just that all things in the world of those families presented are not gong to be eradicated in the course of a week with a super nanny. Transformation is a process, which takes time and effort.
One more thing. I just have to say this. I don't care for the "meeting" she has with the parents, where she critiques their parenting and ends up making them feel badly. Parents do not need to feel worse.
I believe working with parents, who are seeking growth and change, requires team work and encouragement. The more typical scenario for the parents I coach pertains to less extreme parenting situations, which leave parents wondering what to do, how to handle something, or stealing a parent's peace of mind in any way. Never-the-less, parenting is hard enough.
A good parenting coach does not judge or condemn. We move toward the parent's goals for family life, in a positive manner. This has proven to be a highly effective method for real change.
Lori Jo Kemper is a PCI Certified Parent Coach® and speaker.
Copyright 2008,www.TheParentingPath®
