Parents need to know that this series features families living according to others' rules. It can be mildly upsetting to watch when parents are forced to go against some of their dearly held beliefs (albeit only for a week). Arguing is common between "spouses" and sometimes with children. Otherwise, this series is very family friendly and can be enjoyed by adults, teens, and kids old enough to be interested in the concepts it tackles.
Positive messages:A variety of lifestyles appear; some families are more conservative, and others much less so. Kids' behavior may seem out of line to some -- burping loudly, teasing, etc. Not much racial or other diversity, though one episode features a lesbian couple.
Violence:Some minor physical violence between or by kids -- kicking, slapping.
You'll notice I've put a young age for this show, though I put it as "iffy." This is because the show has some language and name-calling (though most is bleeped out), but it seriously has taught me and some other people some good life lessons on family and lifestyles. I was watching one just today about two families that differed completely. One family had the dad who slept wherever he pleased and the wife got up a around 3 AM to heat up his car, make him coffee and dinner, and other useless stuff. The other one had a mom who treated her daughter and herself like royalty and the daughter had reached a $500 cell phone bill! It has really changed my view on a lot of things. So if you're a parent who likes to teach their kids in an edgy way, pick this.
I am twelve and I love this show! Some episodes are better than others, but it is sooooo funny! I would watch it if you are ten and up because it is a MUST SEE SHOW.
Wife Swap is a funny, slightly trashy guilty pleasure. There is not a lot of great stuff in these shows, except for the rare one or two episodes where the families really learn something from each other. Most often, though, the swap dissolves into a shouting, drama-filled, tense mess. There is yelling, swearing, trashy and immature behaviour in most episodes (that's where the money is made, of course). It is, however, interesting to see people from different backgrounds live together and teach each other about their views and habits.
Okay, this is not appropiate for 5 yearolds! Eight and up! But if you let your child see this, and he/she is under 8, dont worry, they most likely dont know the word "bi-ch", so you dont have to worry. People have sexual relationships in this show. Language: "b**ch" "ass" "crap" "D**n" and many others. Violence- people hit and throw things. Social behavior is bad. It teaches kids under eight to get angry with their perents. Now cut the content talk. This show is also good, because this helps perents learn about their kids and how to help them.
I suggest this show to anyone over eight. My son is 10 and we both love watching it together because it is funny and a great show. There are no brand names shown. And this is one of my favorite reality shows I ever watch with my son.
Kids his age should understand and have the thought to respect their parents for what they're like. That is what the message is (to me).
The ending part, the part where the parents talk and fight is the neat part, because that is when something comes out of it, new parenting styles are learned.
This show is great and informational to parents.
Remember: Eight and up...
I like this show, but don't allow my son to watch because first of all it doesn't hold his interest (he's 8) and second of all the show often shows language and behaviors I don't want him to model. If you do let your children I would suggest watching it together and talking about the things that you find acceptable and unacceptable with your kids.
We watch this show with our 14- and 17- year old kids. They are very interested to see how other people live, and how other parents raise their children.
The "bad behavior" is evident and our kids get to see people deal with challenges to their lifestyles, parenting choices, and sometimes selfish obsessions. They have learned a lot about what makes families healthy (or unhealthy) and have a better appreciation for the rules we have and the sane way we live as a result.
This show is better than a human behavior class.