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Real Simple. Real Life.

(Rated TV-G, Reality TV, Starring Kit Hoover, Where to watch: TLC)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Realistic makeovers help make life fun again.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Overall, the show's message is positive. The featured folks get help dealing with real issues and difficulties. In one episode, for example, the subject is overwhelmed not so much because of things but because of her own perfectionism, which she's encouraged to ditch.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.

  • Sexy stuff:

    References to breasts in terms of style/fashion.

  • Language:

    One of the subjects talks about how a situation "pisses" him off, but that's about it.

  • Consumerism:

    Aside from the show itself, which is based on the magazine Real Simple, there's an Office Depot in the back of one shot. Coming back from a trip to the store, the camera focuses on the Sears bags, and the company is mentioned. Nothing too blatant, though.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    There's a fair amount of talk about and engaging in social drinking of wine and other alcoholic beverages.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Real Simple. Real Life.

Parents need to know that this makeover show -- which deals with real issues that many moms face, such as being overwhelmed by childcare duties and their own high standards -- isn't very likely to interest kids. The focus is on mothers, although one dad concedes his part in his family's chaos. Social drinking is considered a normal part of proceedings, and there's some very occasional mildly salty language.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how shows like this do and don't reflect real problems in the world. Kids: Do you think the makeover subjects will maintain the changes in their lives? Can days with a makeover team really lead to lasting changes? Is it fair for shows to make that kind of change look easy? Also, what benefit do you think Real Simple magazine gets from the show?
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