Parents' Guide to Raising Sextuplets

TV WE Reality TV 2009
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Common Sense Media Review

Emily Ashby By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Couple counts blessings amid chaos of toddlerhood.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

When Jenny and Bryan Masche dreamed of having a baby, they couldn't have imagined that their hopes might be answered six times over. But that's just what happened when their sextuplets -- Savannah, Bailey, Grant, Cole, Molli, and Blake -- were born in 2007, and life for this loving couple hasn't been the same since. In RAISING SEXTUPLETS, the Masches share the moments of joy and chaos that come along with life with six energetic toddlers.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

Society's fascination with watching other people's lives gives birth to yet another reality series documenting the extreme circumstances of a family with multiples. For those familiar with series like Jon & Kate Plus 8, there are no surprises here, as most of the show chronicles how Bryan and Jenny manage the logistics of such a large family and work to make time for their own pursuits, too. The content is at different times engaging, funny, and heartwarming, and the Masches' parenting woes are relatable for parents of any number of kids.

The show's mere existence regenerates familiar issues that haunt reality TV as a whole, including the possibility of exploitation (the kids have no say in whether they're being filmed, after all) and the question of whether what's shown is truly is reality or just an act for the cameras. That said, there are some positive points about Raising Sextuplets, most notably the respectful relationship between Bryan and Jenny, who communicate their feelings without harsh words, respect each other's individuality, and support each other's personal goals. What's more, the show focuses on everyday events like celebrating holidays and enjoying an occasional dinner out -- rather than flaunting the special privileges that the family's celebrity affords them -- keeping the content on par with most viewers' experiences.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about reality TV. Do you think this show gives an accurate view of this family's life? Are there any aspects of it
    that you think couldn't be realistic?

  • How do you think reality TV
    affects our view of society and how we look at our own lives? Is it all
    in fun, or might there be consequences from our infatuation with this
    type of entertainment?

  • Families can also discuss how the Masches handle the challenges of their large family. How does
    their family lifestyle compare to your own?

TV Details

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