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I Know My Kid's a Star

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Starring Danny Bonaduce, Marki Costello, Where to watch: VH1, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Pro-kid show teaches stage parents tough lessons.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    In theory, the show's main goal is to protect kids from the pitfalls of the entertainment industry by teaching their parents to balance parenthood with supporting their kid's career. While all the parents clearly love their kids, some are living vicariously through them. Some parents also openly talk negatively about the other teams to their kids, often as a way to "inspire" them to perform better. Some of the kids exhibit spoiled behavior; only a few are actually disciplined. Greed is a major motivator for everyone. The teams come from various socio-economic backgrounds. Most of the kids and their parents are Caucasian, but there are several African-American teams.

  • Violence:

    Them moms frequently bicker with each other; some actually make threats. Some yell at the talent manager, and a few yell at their kids. Occasionally, doors are kicked out of anger.

  • Sex:

    One of the moms dresses in tight belly-baring shirts and micro-mini skirts; she lifts her skirt up on one occasion (though nothing is shown) and asks if her "tampon is showing." One child dances in a provocative manner; another claims that he's into show business for the "chicks and checks."

  • Language:

    Moms use some strong words like "crap," "dumb ass," and "bitch." One mother refers to the other kids as "brats."

  • Consumerism:

    References to troubled child actors like Drew Barrymore, Lindsey Lohan, and River Phoenix. Also refers to Costello's talent agency, Creative Management Entertainment Group. Features recent songs by Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some contestants discuss drinking beer. Many discussions about young stars abusing drugs and alcohol, entering rehab, and dying of a drug overdose. There are some images from Bonaduce's reality series Breaking Bonaduce, including a brief image of the actor handling a syringe (though it's not clear what he's injecting).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About I Know My Kid's a Star

Parents need to know that this reality series -- in which aspiring child stars and their parents compete for cash and the chance to be represented by a talent agency -- includes lots of references to drug and alcohol abuse, rehab, and other problems that many current and former child stars (including host Danny Bonaduce) have dealt with. While the kids are judged on their talent, the parents are evaluated on their ability to be supportive and responsible, which they don't always excel at. Expect some strong language ("bitch," "crap," etc.), some cattiness between the parents, and some spoiled behavior from the kids. Because tween viewers may be drawn to watching other tweens make their way through Hollywood, parents may want to preview or watch with them.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it takes to become a successful child star. What gives a kid the "it" factor? What kind of pressures do these kids face to make it big? How do they deal with so much rejection? How should their parents help them through the process? Families can also discuss the pitfalls of fame and fortune. Why do you think so many child stars have problems with addiction and crime? Do you think the TV/film industry is at all responsible? Where are their parents in all of this? Parents: Check out our Media Survival Guide for tips on how to talk to your kids about some of these issues.
Tools and tips that can help

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    mokaylo890
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    FOR 8 AND ABOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    LOVE IT NO MATTER WHAT IT ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    mokaylo890
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    PERFECT FOR 8 AND ABOVE

    LOVE IT

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    mokaylo890
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    PERFECT FOR KIDS 8 AND ABOVE

    IT ROCKS GOD HELP ANYBODY WHO SAYS DIFFERENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    mokaylo890
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    PERFECT FOR EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    mokaylo890
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    This show rocks it's funny,great,entertaining everything god help anybody who says different it's great.So take that it's great they need to make a season 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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