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Trading Spaces

(Rated TV-G, Reality TV, Where to watch: TLC)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Home makeover on the cheap is fun for all.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    People work together well and use recycled materials to make beautiful rooms -- what could be better?
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Very rare exclamations are bleeped out.
  • Consumerism:

    The sponsoring home improvement store gets a lot of air time (but so do thrift store finds).
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Trading Spaces

Parents need to know that this show models creativity and hard work rather than consumerism. Despite frequent mentions of the series sponsor, much of what's actually used is refurbished from thrift store finds, made by hand, or built using inexpensive materials. People develop camaraderie as they tackle projects they've never tried before, and the main messages are "you can do it," "give it a try," and "design doesn't have to be expensive." Designers sometimes ignore makoverees' requests, which can lead to disappointment, but most are excited by their new rooms.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how they would make over rooms in their own homes (how would you spend the $1,000?), creative ways they might do it, and what aspects of family members' personality or interests would be reflected. Is it important for a person's room(s) to represent him or her? Why? What do people gain from such an environment? Is it all about status? What's the difference between decorating for the sake of status and making your space personally enjoyable?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 3.0

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    i like my child ashley but we do not like her and her twins room so we want are two kids ashley and lauren to be on trading spaces boys vs girls

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Nevada
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 11 and give it 1.0

    Will it ever end?

    Ok to view once in awhile perhaps, but every day. Enough is enough.

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