Positive Parenting

 Is the 'Supernanny' Parenting Style Good for Your Family?

If you haven't seen the British inspired 'Supernanny' on ABC then you are missing out on one of the nation's new favorites in home improvement shows.

No, this one will not show you how to create a floral centerpiece or decorate with zebra stripes, but it IS teaching families to bring order to chaotic homes by setting the stage for new parenting techniques.

Actually, British Nanny, Jo Frost, who is the star of the show is doing anything BUT new parenting. She actually encourages parents to stick to the old time rules of discipline, consistency and creating boundaries. Although there is a noticeable absence of any physical punishment, the firm rules that are put in place work apparent miracles on unruly children while helping parents develop confidence in their parenting skills.

If you haven't been among the millions of viewers now hooked on watching the Supernanny bring sanity to American homes, then here's a review of some of her systems:

DISCIPLINE:

One of Frost's (affectionately known as 'Jo-Jo') main techniques is to create a time-out area - either a rug, bean bag chair or even a room with no toys or TV for distraction. To implement the system parents are coached to warn their defiant offspring of the punishment beforehand. If a warning doesn't work then the child is placed on the 'naughty mat'.

Although the time-out has a reasonable time frame depending on the age of the child, some parents have been viewed to place a child who flees the mat back into time-out dozens of times for upwards of an hour during the breaking in phase. Once the routine is established the parents, on review, praise the success of the technique and find that often a warning is all that is needed.


BEDTIME:

A serious problem with many families, Frost will start with parents returning the escapee repeatedly until the youngster remains in bed. For tougher cases she has the mother or father sit on the floor next to the child's bed with their head down. This provides the child with security but removes eye contact or verbal attention. If the child climbs out of bed they are not comforted but are put right back.

It is setting these clear boundaries which help parents and children deal with problem issues - whether it's eating at the table, back-talking or fighting with siblings.

ATTENTION:

Frost will create a family schedule that is sure to include special time set aside for playing and interacting with the children, as well as helping parents spend time together. It is by helping parents view themselves as a parenting team, as well as pointing out that having children SHOULD be enjoyable, that 'Supernanny' may be making the most difference.

If you are curious about more of her techniques or just want to watch families (worse than your own) clean up house - check her out on ABC, Mondays.