What’s the Story?

THE KIDS ARE IN CHARGE gives children the responsibility of packing and planning activities for their family vacation. Their success in creating the ideal trip varies, as do their parents' reactions to their choices. Watching Mom and Dad react is the most entertaining part of the show for older kids (grade school and up). But adults may shake their heads at what some parents on the show have to put up with -- like a mom whose "luggage" for three days in Boston consisted of two sweaters and a large selection of handbags.

Is It Any Good?

On THE KIDS ARE IN CHARGE, The Travel Channel (which appears to be picking up the tab) offers the kid planners a menu of choices for each day, some of which might not be available to the average traveler on a budget. The show would be better if the viewers -- and sometimes the kids themselves -- were shown the parameters and given more guidance. Handing an 11 year-old $600 for the day without telling her that the main activity she's chosen will cost $380 (leaving less than half of the budget for the rest of the day's costs, including meals, transportation, etc.) is a recipe for disaster, and not realistic.

It's voyeuristically fun to watch the chosen family squabble and work their way through the days, but it would be even more fun if viewers knew how they were chosen -- and if the kids were allowed to experience some of the anxieties and pressures of really being in charge (and learn how to deal with them). As it is, Kids Are in Charge is reality candy -- sweet but ultimately unsatisfying.

Have you seen it?

TV Show Details

TV Rating

TV-Y

Network

Travel Channel

Cast

Jonathan Torrens

Genre

Reality TV

Where to watch

Travel Channel

For Your Family