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Party Mamas
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Competitive moms send troubling messages.
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What's the Story?
Imported from Canada, PARTY MAMAS is a reality series that follows moms who go overboard to throw their kids the "ultimate party." These controlling matriarchs plan every detail of their children's bar mitzvah, birthday party, or neighborhood Halloween bash. Viewers watch as they obsess over things like polka-dot tablecloths and the exact square footage of a massive Saturday Night Fever-style dance floor. No expense is spared as they spend thousands of dollars to ensure that their party has the best music, dancers, costumes, laser shows, and fireworks.
Is It Any Good?
These mamas proudly admit that they're materialistic, difficult to please, and inflexible when it comes to their kid's big bash. Many seem to take pride in the fact that they act like spoiled children when vendors can't meet their long list of demands. And some have a hard time letting their kids have the spotlight on their special day, somehow managing to make themselves the center of attention.
Although the show is tamer than MTV's popular, similarly themed My Super Sweet 16, it still sends some very disturbing messages about the extremes that some parents will go to in order to make their kids -- and themselves -- happy. For many of these moms, planning these parties is more about satisfying their need to be in control and/or in the limelight than really doing something nice for their kids. Their antics might be fun for older viewers to watch, but it doesn't make them very good role models for the younger set.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the messages that shows like this one and My Super Sweet 16 send to kids. Why do some parents who clearly love their kids behave inappropriately while showing it? Is throwing extravagant parties the best way to show their love? Do you think the kids end up having fun at these parties? Families can also discuss the different ways that people celebrate special occasions. Do parties have to be big and lavish to be fun and memorable?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 3, 2007
- Network: WE
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
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