New reality show features teens babysitting infants
Categories: Media, That's Entertainment
Reality television has truly crossed a line of decency. First there was the CBS show "Kid Nation", that despite not yet being released, has created all sorts of drama regarding child labor laws and child safety while 40 children were left to their own devices in a sort of New Mexico "Lord of the Flies" scenario. If that wasn't bad enough, now NBC is finishing up production on a show called "Baby Borrowers". The series is a take off on a British show of the same name.
In the show teen couples are required to babysit children of various ages in order to determine their success as couples and parents. They teens are first given an infant, then a toddler, followed by a young child, then a teen, a young adult and, finally, an elderly person. The couples on the NBC series are all 18 and are interested in becoming parents. The real parents of the children involved are allowed to stop the filming at any time if they believe their children are in any sort of danger.
Becoming a parent is no small choice. While I commend these young couples for participating in a project to determine whether or not they are fit parents, I believe the venue is inappropriate. Perhaps they should just grow up and then become parents rather than do it in front of viewers and get paid for it. What do you think? Too weird or cool reality television?
In the show teen couples are required to babysit children of various ages in order to determine their success as couples and parents. They teens are first given an infant, then a toddler, followed by a young child, then a teen, a young adult and, finally, an elderly person. The couples on the NBC series are all 18 and are interested in becoming parents. The real parents of the children involved are allowed to stop the filming at any time if they believe their children are in any sort of danger.
Becoming a parent is no small choice. While I commend these young couples for participating in a project to determine whether or not they are fit parents, I believe the venue is inappropriate. Perhaps they should just grow up and then become parents rather than do it in front of viewers and get paid for it. What do you think? Too weird or cool reality television?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jennifer 9-04-2007 @ 5:52PM
They are not getting paid for it....most likely in order to avoid legal issues but still they aren't making money. Plus, according to articles regarding "Baby Borrowers," this show has more supervision than CBS "Kid Nation." There is a nanny watching all video feed with orders to step in if the situation even begins to look dangerous and as stated above the parents can stop taping whenever they want. I also applaud the fact that all of the couples are over 18 (in the British version they have under-aged participants- oy!) Not sure as I would let them "borrow" my infant but I can think of several toddlers I know that would make them think twice before having kids...lol...
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Carolyn 9-04-2007 @ 7:29PM
This story is caught my attention because I am currently in the midst of an endless hunt to find a sitter to watch my 17-month old daughter on the odd occasion that we actually (gasp!) go out without her.
Unfortunately, I have yet to find a retired registered daycare provider/elementary school teacher/choir leader/grandmother who is on call to sit for strangers. It seems like the only option is to hire a teenager, and I'm not sure how that sits with me.
As for the tv show, though, while it may be an interesting experiment I don't see that it needs to be on tv. But then, it seems everything needs to be on tv these days.
Carolyn
www.momsontheedge.blogspot.com
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DaMoKi Bob 9-04-2007 @ 8:47PM
I believe it is important to remember these shows are not public service projects; they are in fact for profit, shot for effect, and profitably edited, non-interactive, video road kill offered for consumption of the I'm-bored-out-of-my-skin middle America set P.T. Barnum was referring to. But, if it makes you giggle…
One of the teaser spots shows a sincere young girl saying, with a little gravel in her voice, “This is our world.” Right! With lots of adults just off camera, medics on site, and teachers (if not shot just in summer)… their world? Let’s face it, if you buy into this, you probably thought “De plane, de plane!” really announced the arrival of paying customers to an enchanted island.
I am sure the studios will hype them as ground breaking and stimulating. Personally, I which they would break some ground and bury them both.
The real issue is not so many adults and children appreciating this intellectual pap as quality entertainment, but the amount of time they dedicate to watching anything on TV to the exclusion of better options. I’m not against TV; I’m not against entertainment. I am against the glassy-eyed stare most children adopt when engaged by most shows. This is a passive activity.
Alternative? Read a book to your kid, or have your kid do it for them self; which is an active activity. Why do you think Harry Potter was sooooo popular? It engaged the minds of all who read it, and there are countless books waiting, just waiting. When we underestimate, or set low expectations we are often get exactly that.
Expect more, do more, be more; expect better, do better, be better.
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DaMoKi Bob 9-04-2007 @ 9:49PM
I believe it is important to remember these shows are not public service projects; they are in fact for profit, shot for effect, and profitably edited, non-interactive, video road kill offered for consumption of the I'm-bored-out-of-my-skin middle America set P.T. Barnum was referring to. But, if it makes you giggle…
One of the teaser spots shows a sincere young girl saying, with a little gravel in her voice, “This is our world.” Right! With lots of adults just off camera, medics on site, and teachers (if not shot just in summer)… their world? Let’s face it, if you buy into this, you probably thought “De plane, de plane!” really announced the arrival of paying customers to an enchanted island.
I am sure the studios will hype them as ground breaking and stimulating. Personally, I which they would break some ground and bury them both.
The real issue is not so many adults and children appreciating this pabulum as quality entertainment, but the amount of time they dedicate to watching anything on TV to the exclusion of better options. I’m not against TV; I’m not against entertainment. I am against the glassy-eyed stare most children adopt when engaged by most shows. This is a passive activity.
Alternative? Read a book to your kid, or have your kid do it for them self; which is an active activity. Why do you think Harry Potter was sooooo popular? It engaged the minds of all who read it, and there are countless books waiting, just waiting. When we underestimate, or set low expectations we are often get exactly that.
Expect more, do more, be more; expect better, do better, be better.
Reply
DaMoKi Bob 9-04-2007 @ 9:54PM
Hi,
I know my (DaMoKi Bob) two posts above appear to be redundant, and I guess they are... I didn't mean to do it. However, if you do read it twice... thanks and thanks!
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M4Mommy 9-05-2007 @ 10:47AM
No way would I let my daughter be involved with this.
I know an 18 yo that is SO FAR from being mature it isnt even funny. And from what i have seen, in my area atleast it seems to be the norm for kids in this age group to be childish , immature and lacking responsibility for themselves, never mind another being.
But hey. if it stops them from running out and getting knocked up with a baby that will end up in the system. More power to em
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Kirstie 9-05-2007 @ 9:33PM
Um, whatever happened to the simulation dolls that cry and have to be fed and whatnot? It's definitely not as challenging as a real child, but it's still quite effective.
Carolyn - I know leaving your little one with someone who's technically still a child is a scary thought, but there are a LOT of very mature, well trained teenage babysitters. My advice would be to contact a local college or local high school to find a sitter. My high had a childcare and development course which, in addition to running a preschool, helped community members find reliable sitters.
You may also find someone on craigslist .. I KNOW that sounds like it's sketchy, but it's really not, I swear! I've found sitting jobs on craigslist. The most important thing is to ALWAYS ask for a resume and for references ... any trustworthy, reliable sitter should be able to provide them for you. Also, arranging a meeting with the sitter beforehand where you can meet her and she can meet the children is good, too, to get a feel for it.
Good luck finding a sitter! :)
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KLP 9-06-2007 @ 4:08PM
The show is a great educational tool, and probably should be used as an eye-opener not only for teenagers who think they are ready for "parenthood"--- But also an eye opener to our Culture in general that teenage sexuality is alive and thriving and instead of banning our kids from anything of a sexual nature, we should EDUCATE and COMMUNICATE with our kids about making better choices, for the right reasons.
I applaud the parents who "gave up" their children so these teenagers could have a great learning experience. Everyone should just watch the show and see what unfolds, instead of bashing the parents and everyone involved who are only trying to make a difference. Kudos to the Exec Producer, Mr. McKerrow... thanks for bringing this to the U.S.--- it is much needed!
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michele 9-06-2007 @ 7:53PM
Am I the only one that babysat when I was 13 and 14 years old? It was 20 years ago BUT I usually babysat a few times a month for various neighbors. The pay sucked by todays standards however it was my money to earn adn I liked other kids. Usually you had to worry more about the kids you were sitting rather than the baby sitter themselves. I had 5 years olds throw barbie dolls at my head feet first and lie to their mom's and tell them that I called their kid or their kid's artwork ugly. The parents never believed it possible that their own sweet kids would try to harm the babysitter or lie about something like that... wow. I did have a few nice ones though! To this day one of my favorite cookie recipes is from the mom of one of the kids I sat for.
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