…Or any of the other “know it all” shows?

Okay, I’ll admit it, when Dr. Phil came on a while back, I was like everyone else who was mesmerized by his frank questions and answers. Over the years, I have tuned in enough to see a lot of the drama that his show portrays. However, I must now admit that I’m getting a little burnt out and annoyed. Some of it may have to do with the feeling that these flawed people seem to be exploited to say the least.

Dr. Phil has gotten a lot of flack lately for his style in confronting society and their demons. Most recently I just saw a commercial for his episode calendar in May that showed a small child actually slapping their parent. Of course my jaw dropped, but then again I have to think about the drama that I’ve just been sucked into and remind myself that this stuff goes on every day, as unfortunate as it is. It’s just that a camera happens to be rolling and now there will be a diagnosis and a scolding to come.

I also have watched Super Nanny quite a few times, and while I see her intentions and methods to be good and logical, I have to wonder if they seriously think people buy into a cure all equation in an hour show? While her theories and applications are ideal, are they practical or something that would sustain long-term? How many parents can afford to take weeks off of work and welcome a nanny to come in and train them properly? I suppose there are a few or there wouldn’t be a show, huh?

We as parents are looking for guidance in disciplining and guiding our children, yet who really needs the discipline and guidance? Are these shows helping or hurting the cause of parenthood? Wouldn’t it be smarter to spend the same energy that goes into producing and watching these shows in education and counseling for parents or potential parents before the children get here and lives begin to whirl out of control? I think in high school there was one class I took called child development. I know that really taught me what to expect with parenting and how handle it.

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