Parents' Guide to This Is How I Made It

TV MTV Reality TV 2012
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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Celeb life stories are sometimes inspiring; expect curses.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 11+

Based on 2 kid reviews

What's the Story?

THIS IS HOW I MADE IT is a reality show featuring celebrities talking about the life journeys they've taken to reach success. Each episode features two popular artists and/or celebs like hip-hop artist 2 Chainz, actress Ashley Rickards, and even U.S. Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas, as they talk about the people and events that contributed to their ability to reach their goals. From putting themselves in the right place at the right time to working their way up to the top, each interview reveals the key moments, thoughts, and encounters that made them who they are today.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 2 ):

This Is How I Made It offers a chance for viewers to listen to and watch celebrities describe, in their own words, the people and activities that helped them to discover their passion and motivated them to pursue their dreams. It also details some of the obstacles they had to overcome -- ranging from self-doubt to gang violence -- in order to achieve them.

Some of the stories featured here contain some strong themes, but all of them offer empowering messages about working hard, pursuing goals, and finding the insight and the strength to keep trying when things aren't going right. No doubt that older tweens and teens will find the overall show both inspiring and entertaining.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the hard work that goes into achieving one's goals. Kids: What are your goals? What kind of things will you need to do in order to successfully achieve them? Parents: What kinds of things did you do while pursuing your dreams? How does those experience influence you today?

  • Do you think shows like this one will help inspire people to go after their dreams?

  • Are the folks featured in this show role models? Why or why not? Does being famous automatically make you a role model?

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

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