We all remember the controversial TIME magazine cover that sparked outrage and support. Well now there are talks about doing a reality television show about "extreme" parenting.
The show wouldn't focus just on extended breastfeeding, but would cover all forms of "extreme" and "nontraditional" parenting practices. Will bringing such attention to those practices be a good thing? Bad thing?
The production company wanting to bring "Extreme Parenting" to television is the same as who's behind "Dance Moms", a show I have only heard about. The only reason I've heard about it? The drama, the controversy. I'm not even sure I've seen a positive post regarding that show.
This just came across on my Facebook feed, the
TIME article about this potential show. I honestly don't know what to think. On one hand, it might be an informative show and might help bring some positive light on breastfeeding (and again, whatever else they showcase). But on the other, it all depends on how they "spin" in. This could end up being extremely negative for those who want breastfeeding more widely accepted.
Will you be tuning in?
Would you participate in a television show like this? What would your "nontraditional" parenting practice be?
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Comments (18)
Probably most of the things I do = nontraditional parenting. I won't be watching the show because no matter what they say, they are only going to show people that are really extreme or they will cut and paste things together to make for better TV. I won't be watching and I wouldn't participate.
That's not for me.
If a mother chooses to participate in extended breastfeeding, that is her business. However, I don't think I would want to watch a show about it. Are writers running out of ideas?
I don't mind watching an episode or two just to see how the show is before I decide on it.
I doubt I'll participate in a show itself. Parenting style wise, we definitely have our 'odd' ways, such as we hardly ever sensor our kids to the type of TV or movie they get to see. As long as it's not total nudity and out right porn... Violence wise, we never really bothered with censorship. My husband also likes to train our kids to speak for themselves in public places, whenever possible, instead of relying on us. Such as ordering food, drink for themselves at restaurants, etc. giving them a choice most of the time. We have seen the pro and cons of our style play out with our 11 yrs old son. So we kind know where the balance is now with the younger one. :PBTW, if you haven't read the "Nurture Shock" parenting book. I highly recommend it, before you judge what parenting style is extreme or not. You may be surprised about a few things where you think you're doing the right thing, but it's now proven otherwise...
I'm sorry but while I am a huge fan of breastfeeding- there is a fine line between a mother and her breasts and a young child and growing the EFF up.
@momthreepointoh@xanga - well said
i am pro breastfeeding (eventho i was not able to do it) and i am pro doing it for an extendend period of time as was my dr. but i do not know if i will be watching the show. i think people should be able to breastfeed in public or where ever they want to however after 3 or 4 i am not a supporter of breastfeeding. to me it is wierd however i do think that its the mothers choice. just because i dont think its right, i do not think that i should be making the choice for other mothers. if someone wants to breastfeed for 10 year who am i to judge them?
I'd never watch it but let's be honest, there is a reality show where a guy has 4 "wives" and who knows how many kids. Don't know why a bunch of grown up women battling for the man's attention and complaining when they don't get it is entertaining but apparently millions think it is.
Depends on how extended you're talking about. It's ridiculous to salve a mother's emotions by nursing for so long that her male child remembers her tits. There are age barriers where we no longer allow our male children to see our nude bodies, for proper sexual development. My husband's mother walked around naked his whole life, and just the thought of it sickens him, and he's 60 years old. It's not about mom, wanting to do her thing. It's about what's proper and right and socially acceptable for the child. Would a 6 year old bring home a friend for a sleep over and then nurse in front of that child? Would all his/her friends parents think that is just hunky dory? Sorry, but these moms are way too selfish on this issue. Give up the ghost and let the kid grow up.
I would never watch any reality show, ever.
I honestly cannot figure out why reality tv is so popular. What could possibly be entertaining about watching other people's lives, especially since the viewers have no way of knowing what is actually real or what has been staged? My instincts tell me the majority of the scenes that the viewers get to see are fabricated or exaggerated because, let's face it, it would be more entertaining to see two people throwing things at each other and screaming than it would be to see them sitting at a table respectfully disputing an issue, right? I also find it quite sickening to have personal situations televised. Why would anyone want to watch someone else cry, have their heart broken or mourn a death? What is so fascinating about people competing for love or cash or some other coveted prize? I realize all these things happen on fictional shows and in movies, but for me, it's not as invasive because at the end of the day, the actors go home to their real lives.
I find the idea of an extreme parenting reality show completely revolting. I think it's sad to see children's lives televised. In my opinion, it's exploitation since I highly doubt the parents who already have their lives on tv aren't getting something out of it.... I would find it difficult to have a camera in my face all the time, so I can only imagine how trying it would be for a child. In addition, what would the producers, writers, director(s) and families involved be attempting to convey and how much distortion would their overall goals be subjected to? Maybe I'm just being pessimistic, but I have a hard time seeing how a show like this that is most likely meant to educate or shed light on different parenting techniques and habits would yield any sort of positive results. I feel a show like this would only spark more controversy and drama, but isn't that the true goal of the people who are involved in reality tv?....
I wouldn't participate in a show like this because I despise reality tv, but also because I can't think of anything my husband and I do that would be considered extreme. Our lives would pale in comparison to the lives of those who would most likely be cast....
I would absolutely watch a show like this...if I were to only have cable! I love reality TV, but as far as if it would shed a positive light on these extreme parenting forms, I doubt it... Most things on TV are put on there because they are controversial, extreme and unique. Nobody decided to film my parenting skills, and that's because they're not interesting.
I'm going to be honest..."reality" television CAN be highly humorous and entertaining and I've seen worse shows aired than this potential one. Of course this show is going to be controversial. as many are that are aried as "reality" shows. So in short, yes, I may watch it a bit if I happen upon it but what I find funny is PEOPLE PARENT THEIR CHILDREN EVERYDAY, and everyone has a different parenting style, it's been that way for a long long time...so I just find it funny that people are so taken and awe struck about this particular thing.
I would not participate because I would never be able to trust that the producers etc had my and my family's best interest at heart. I would not want to subject myself or my non-traditional parenting ways (breastfed more than a year, homeschool my 6 year old, and delayed vaccines) to groups who may have a personal agenda.
I think for me, personal interactions make an impact. I think I change people's minds about some things simply by doing what we do well and having our children thrive because of it. Imagine the shock when people realize my highly social, comfortable, outgoing daughter is homeschooled (since the first thing people attack about homeschooling is the social aspect). Showing that on television wouldn't be very easy.
Reality TV is getting more & more uninteresting every day. I miss shows where people actually had to think & come up with a script.
I won't be tuning in. I mean it does sound interesting, but I'm getting sick of the controversy. I will raise my children the way I know God would want me to raise them. All of the guidelines I have are in the Bible.
No, I'm sure they're only going to choose the craziest parents and make it all look as awful as possible. I'm over it already.
I think it's nonsense...the TV show just wants to takes benefits, they don't even care what a real mom is...