Parents' Guide to

Downsized

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Large blended family faces financial challenges as a team.

TV WE Reality TV 2010
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What's the Story?

DOWNSIZED chronicles the journey of a large blended family suddenly coping with economic hardship. It stars Laura and Todd Bruce, a first-grade teacher and a general contractor in Phoenix, Arizona, who are struggling to support their seven children after the collapse of Todd's construction business. The family must adjust to the loss of their lavish upper-class lifestyle, the bank foreclosure on their two homes, and living on food stamps. While they struggle to pay the bills, they also face the typical challenges that come when two families combine. It isn't easy, but together they look for ways to cut their expenses and make money while learning to appreciate what they have, and each other.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1 ):

The reality doc features the Bruces as an example of how easily a family can go from financial wealth to financial ruin from one day to the next during difficult economic times. It also highlights some of the strong emotions that people who are suddenly facing poverty experience, including embarrassment, resentment, and fear.

It isn't easy to watch children selling off their prized possessions or rummaging through dumpsters for recyclables to make enough money to keep a roof over their heads. But these folks show us that it is possible to live with less, and to have a positive attitude while doing it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about ways that they can cut back spending and be financially healthy. Should people be inspired by a bad economy to save money? Kids: What are some of your concerns when it comes to money and your family's economic situation? Parents: How will you address these concerns?

  • How does the media contribute to our spending habits?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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