 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Nanny 911
- CMT, Fox
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
So-so reality show aims to improve parents' skills.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this show will likely be more interesting to them than to kids. Parents on the show sometimes lose control and yell at or spank their kids after minor (throwing toys) or major (hitting siblings or parents) mischief. The parenting lessons advocated on the show are based on a traditional philosophy and may not be aligned with all families' beliefs or practices.
What's the story?
In this Fox reality show, families in crisis are paired with an experienced British nanny, tasked to solve their parenting problems in one week flat. NANNY 911 initially shows video clips of the family interacting at home -- the kids fighting, making messes, and disobeying, and moms and dads losing patience. When the nanny arrives, she at first simply observes, noting the major snags, usually centered around scheduling, eating, sleeping, and discipline. For example, Nanny Yvonne scoffs with disdain as she watches the Delaney family eat dinner on the sofa, sleep together in one bed, duck when the littlest one flings poop out of her diaper, and share the house with a 150-pound pig. She institutes a strict policy that includes eating dinner together at the table, setting specific nap- and bedtimes for the kids, and kicking the kids out of the parents' bed. The transition is not always smooth, as shown when the 17-month-old cries in her crib at naptime and, against the nanny's rules, the mother rescues her from the crib.
Is it any good?
The show always ends with the house a little cleaner, the kids better behaved, and the parents relieved to see new parenting possibilities. The show is marred by the frequent repetition of video clips -- for example, a scene of the Delaney kids drinking out of the cat dish repeats at least four times during their episode -- and the show is clearly edited to highlight the most dramatic changes, ignoring other relevant issues.
While Nanny 911 features plenty of children, the main audience is parents. Children might enjoy watching the kids getting into mischief and might learn a bit from the nanny's new rules, but the biggest message they'll encounter is that of being critical of another family's lifestyle -- a message encouraged by the nanny's barely disguised scorn.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the behavior they see on the show and discuss whether they have similar issues. What problems have families encountered in the past, and what solutions have they come up with? Do you think the nanny's solutions will work in the long run? Does it seem realistic to solve problems so quickly?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
educational, but bad behavior
I like this show, but there are things you should watch out for. the kids like to use bad words a whole lot in this show, yell at their parents and siblings, and sometimes run away from home. If young kids ages 14 or younger see this show, they could start misbehaving like the kids on the show or worse. but there are great parenting tips in there. there are even tips that will interest kids and encourage good behavior. i really don't recommend this show to anyone under 15.
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AGE
Prefect for older kids
love it its the best now if only i can get her to come to my house and straighten up my kids
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AGE
This is weird
This show is really weird, but it makes me feel better about my family.
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Kid, 11 years old
August 17, 2010
AGE
12+ Are you kidding me?????
I love it!!!
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AGE
its a pretty good show
i love it but i hardly ever see it anymore :(
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AGE
Good!
I love this show! It is a family favorite!
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AGE
OK show, but young kids might find it boring
I've only seen a few episodes of Nanny 911, but I think it's ok. It may be a little boring to young kids, but kids over the age of 11 might take interest in the show. The nannies act as good role models, and while they might get a little critical towards some parenting choices, they're just trying to help the kids. But still an ok show for kids 11+ Violence: Scenes of kids having mild to severe tantrums and doing violent acts, like hitting siblings/parents, but the show makes it clear that their behavior is unacceptable. Consumerism: The nannies sometimes promote their book during the show.
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AGE
Great show with positive messages
I love this show. There is some beeped out bad language coming from children as young as 4. And there is some violence including hitting, punching, spitting, and throwing of objects. Also there is utter disrespect. But the nannies make it clear that the behavior is unexceptable. Overall at the end it's entertaining and sends positive messages.
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Kid, 11 years old
April 1, 2012
AGE
don't know what to say about this..........
teaches parents about parenting, sort of interesting for ME, but for other kids...................
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | CMT, Fox |
| Cast: | Deborah Carroll, Fraser Brown, Stella Reid |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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