Oh, THANK YOU!!! I watched one whole episode of Supernanny quite some time ago, and was completely frustrated by it. I kept thinking "Oh, come ON! That isn't gonna work once the cameras are gone! There's no follow-up, and no reasons for any of it - just a pile of rules!" I am SO glad I'm not the only one that saw this as a bit backwards. Not that I'm against schedules & rules, (our house runs by the kitchen timer - per my kids' insistence) but SHEESH! love, mom
"In the course of researching a book about parenting, I discovered some disconcerting research on the damaging effects of techniques like the “naughty corner” (better known as time-out), which are basically forms of love withdrawal." i LOVE this quote, because i've ALWAYS felt that was the case. but then, in some instances a child does require punishment. sometimes explaining what they did wrong, making them apologize and make up for it doesn't help. then, yes, i send them to their room. my kids don't doubt my love for them, but for a fixed period of time, they need to be alone to settle down. punishment that hurts your feelings is more effective than anything else. we've TOTALLY gotten past that whole biting thing.
I agree too with the article in that certain 'corners' are stupid. There are no corners in real life for when a person doesn't follows the rules, they get consquences.
hmm guess i'm in the minority. i really like these shows. maybe when i have little ones running around i'll think differently, but it seems like a big part of the "lessons" are for the parents.. to remind them that their kids are human and need love and affection as well as discipline. anyway that's what i hold on to when watching these.
No Tiger. I like them as well. I don't take the advice to heart on every situation....because I might make different choices on how to handle things. But watching the parents come to a place within themselves where they realize that their children are only acting out due to the parent's parenting style, is beautiful. I am sure it all changes when the cameras disappear....but it can open doors for people that they might not see on their own. And perhaps there are better parents because of it. I know, on the occasion that I watch it, I feel more rooted in the necessity of consistency!!!!!! But come on its reality tv....its entertainment not necessarily a guru teaching ya.
You can't believe or follow 100% of what anyone says. Every child is different and responds differently. I will say, though, that the Super Nanny's advice on how to get my son to sleep alone, in his bed, eventually with the lights off definitely worked!
The article describes Supernanny as a person who brings totalitarian solutions. What's totalitarian in having rules at home? Rules exist to make children learn how real life is. As an adult, i know i can't shout at my university teacher every time i don't not agree with his ideas. i can't use a cellphone in a hospital, etc... Why when it comes to children some people seem to think that rules are only there to restrain their liberties? There's no difference between insulting a parent or yelling against a school teacher. Acting that way brings consequences. That's something normal. My child is still very young (15 month) but i will soon have to teach him rules (thinking about it, ui realise that there are already rules at home concerning what my son can and can't do). i do not consider myself totalitarian... nor british (why so much pejorativity in the article about Supernanny being british?). Liberty comes with rules and rules always comes with liberties... these are complimentary notions.
I quite like SuperNanny as well. I wouldn't agree with everything she says and does, but I can see how it can give parents ideas and tips on things to try if, say, their child wont go to bed etc. They might not work for all children but they must for some.
When it comes to time outs, they are not supposed to be used as punishment. Children are still learning how to deal with such powerful emotions, sometimes they can become overwhelmed. When a child (even adults) becomes overwhelmed, they need to go aside and have a quite place to deal with their emotions and get them under control. I stressed child is not going to be able to calm down with a talking to. They need to be removed from all stimulations. Time out is supposed to be used as a tool to teach the child to be able to control their emotions, not punishment.
I think it's a good show. Nanny can be a bit of a bitch sometimes but her techniques always seem to turn pathetic a-holes into human beings and bring peace and happiness to families. What's so wrong with that?
