Anyone watching The Baby Borrowers?? I'm not one to typically blog about tv shows, but I find this one... umm... interesting? (background they took 5 teenage couples... gave them a house, a job, and then they "borrow" children to see how hard it is to parent. They get an infant, toddler, pre-teen, teenager and an eldery person... each for 3 days)
As a mother I find it hard to believe that these families were willing to let teenagers watch their child for 3 days, yes the parents are right there monitoring the whole thing, and yes there is a nanny in the house (only for the just in case moments), but still. On one hand I think it is a great thing to show teenagers how HARD it is to be a parent. There isn't a whole lot glamorous about waking up at 3am to feed and change a baby. Baby's aren't all fun and games, laughs and giggles... babies/toddlers/ kids are hard work.
Yes, I think the show is beneficial if teenagers watch it and see that these teens are struggling. But, we are allowing the teenagers to "play house". Doesn't anyone have an issue with the fact that the show gave them a house (even if they have to "pay rent"), and are allowing them to sleep together on the show? Doesn't anyone have an issue with them being responsible for the health and safety of another families child? Or the fact that the teens refer to it as an experiment... yes I know it technically is an experiment, but if it is seen that way, then they may not look at the outcome as real.
Anyway.... I will tune in on Wed (actually it's being taped on my DVR who knows when I'll get around to watching it) and see how they manage with toddlers.
I have mixed feelings on this too! I think anything we can do to help teens understand how hard babies and families can be is a good idea. But I would NEVER let them have either of my children to watch for 3 days. NO WAY!
ReplyDeleteI saw about 30 minutes of this the other night and thought the exact same things you did. Sure its a good experience for them, but it is still so far from actual reality. Plus, I think you have a different outlook when its your child, not someone elses. I must admit, it's great tv, even though hard to watch at times. Those kids are so delusional and naive. As a parent, I think I would be willing to let my child participate. I feel that they have taken proper steps to ensure safety and well-being and plus you are not more than a few yards away. But then again, my child goes to daycare full-time so I am accustomed to trusting the care of my child to someone else. I think if it could save even just one young girl from going off and making getting ehrself into this situation before she is truly ready, it would be worth it. I don't know how useful this show will be in that regard though. Kids these days "know everything" and foolishly believe they'll be different or the exception. Most really do need to learn the hard way. I think it will be hilarious when they have the pre-teens and teens though! Talk about sweet justice...HA!!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to check this out. What network is it on?
ReplyDeletei saw the season premiere... I thought it was so funny.... But i think it'll teach the kids a lesson....
ReplyDeletei can never remember when its on! i may have to try to remember!
ReplyDeleteI haven't caught the show but I certainly would not let Eliza be part of such an experiment.Reality TV is so strange! I will try and DVR it to see what it is all about.
ReplyDeleteYea it's a little weird but over-all they have good intentions, but I am with ya I would NEVER let anybody watch my kids for 3 days. How traumatizing for the babies and toddlers.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this, but I have seen the commercials. I had the same thoughts you did! And I don't think I would subject Lillian to this "experiment"!!
ReplyDeletei 2 have mixed feelings. i think it is a good wake up call. but don't ask me to subject my child to it. i could not have sat there and watched all that happen!!
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