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Quint-Essential

(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?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Multiples are a handful, but parents take it in stride.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The Ferrills put a positive spin on the daunting challenges that accompany their unique family, and they often express their appreciation for their blessings, even amid the chaos of having five babies. Tears are plentiful during the emotional ups and downs, but the family is surrounded by supportive friends and family who pitch in to help any way they can.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    No violence, but hospital scenes show Jenny and the babies being hooked up to monitors, poked for IVs, and prepped for surgery. Occasional mention is made of two infants theFerrills lost before this successful pregnancy.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Passing mention of the couple's difficulties with pregnancy in the past.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Nothing overt, but in at least one instance, Pete takes viewers on a brief tour of the family's Web site (though the address is never given) and mentions that people can make donations to them online.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Quint-Essential

Parents need to know that this series is age appropriate for young tweens and up, but its content isn't likely to interest anyone but adults. Though the Ferrills' story of meeting the demands of five babies is compelling, there's little that sets it apart from other similar human-interest TV series. Hospital scenes do include some tense moments for the babies, and kids might be frightened by that and/or confused by the use of medical terms (C-section, apnea, heart murmur, and the like). On the up side, the Ferrills are honest about their emotions and don't sugar coat the physical and emotional strain of their unique parenthood -- but they always follow up with sincere appreciation for the blessings of their children.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about raising children. How do you think the task of raising kids is complicated by having multiples? What coping techniques do you think parents of multiples use to handle the extra workload? What responsibilities does each family member have in your house? How does that help things run smoothly? Also, what do you think would be the benefits of being a twin (or triplet!)? And what do you think you might not like about it?
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