Should kids watch Nanny 911?

[DawnMarch]

So, I was flipping through the channels last night with the kids in the room, and came across Nanny 911. They were instantly glued to the TV to watch those "really bad kids" and now they want me to tape more episodes so they can watch it.

Do you watch this show with your kids? Honestly, my kids are kind of sheltered, and I'm kind of afraid it might give them ideas! The kid last night was hitting his mom and talking back, screaming, etc. My kids thought that was "really bad" behavior, but does it plant little evil thoughts in their head for the next time they are really angry? On the other hand, it might be chance to teach them about good vs. bad behavior in a non-emotional setting.

So, ladies, what do you think???? Do you let your kids watch these shows?

[lauren grier]

I think it would be perfectly ok :) It doesn't just show the nasty behavior like some cartoons out there, but the consequences and corrections as well. :)

[CA Dreamer]

I know! Isn't it incredible! I actually watch the show with my kids. It is a good time to talk to them about bad and good behavior. Haha, kind of like watching a training film at work! My boys actually have a lot ot say about what they see on the show.

[HeatherKS]

My 6 year old has been glued to that show before too. LOL We don't usually watch it but happened across it one night. She was appalled by their behavior. lol

I think it would be a good show to watch together so that you can talk about what they're seeing while it's happening. Yeah, like a training film! :D

[Alinalitas]

Never seen the show, but I think kids are smarter than to just adopt bad behaviours seen on TV.

[Jennifer]

It is a good time to talk to them about bad and good behavior. Haha, kind of like watching a training film at work!

Yep, I agree. My daughter is too young for it, but the few times my son has seen it, he can't believe kids act like that. It's a really easy/good time to talk about behavior without it being personal.

[lizzyfizzy]

we tiVo this show and my kids love it. they are 10,7 and 5 and haven't 'adopted' any of the bad behaviors. they are actually uber-well behaved and are sickened by the children. my DD is even more sickened by the parents who don't take resposibility to discipline their children in the first place (her words)...lol!! i think its great for kids to see what happens when your household gets so out of control that you have to be on a nationally broadcast nanny show. we love it.

[Laura_A]

I watch it now and then with my girls and they actually love it. I just make sure to chime in when the kids are being really bad... "you ever act like that and ALL your priveleges are gone!" lol

[crecia27]

I think it just reinforces what you are already teaching them. Since they knew those kids were behaving badly, and they see the Nanny coming in and telling the kids they need to change their behavior - it just shows you were right to begin with! :)

[pbumbaca]

HA! I keep telling my kids I'm going to apply to be on the show! ;)

Actually we had this same discussion with the show Cops. My mom loves all those shows and watches every episode. When my boys were at her house I didn't want them watching it, DH disagreed. He wanted them to see what happens when you break the law. I tend to agree with him now.

[iJenny]

I think its perfectly fine for them to watch. It might even be a good way to open up some lines of communication like...

What do you think would happen in our house if you behaved like that?
or
Why do you think that behavior was not ok with the parents?

My six-year-old son LOVES to watch Jon & Kate Plus 8. One of their older daughters is a real PITA and Cameron always says stuff about her behavior when he watches it. He says things like.... "Mom, if Maddie acted like that at our house, she would NEVER get to play video games, huh?". lol

[scrappychic]

We use to watch it but DH didn't want the kids picking up on the bad behavior. My kids are pretty young though - 5, 3, and 2 so they pick up a lot of things. Maybe later when they get older, but I liked that show.

[DawnMarch]

Thank you for all your responses! Maybe we'll watch it a few times and see how it goes. They were pretty appalled last night at the behavior of the kids, so hopefully they would not actually pick up that behavior and it could provide some "teachable moments" as they say.

[lizzyfizzy]

My six-year-old son LOVES to watch Jon & Kate Plus 8. One of their older daughters is a real PITA and Cameron always says stuff about her behavior when he watches it. He says things like.... "Mom, if Maddie acted like that at our house, she would NEVER get to play video games, huh?". lol

i can see it all too well in my head! :D