| If you haven't seen the British inspired 'Supernanny' on | | | | Although the time-out has a reasonable time frame |
| ABC then you are missing out on one of the nation's | | | | depending on the age of the child, some parents will |
| new favorites in home improvement shows. | | | | have to place a child who flees the time-out area back |
| This show won't tell you how to create a floral | | | | into time-out dozens of times for upwards of an hour |
| centerpiece or decorate with zebra stripes, but it IS | | | | during the breaking in phase. Once the routine is |
| teaching families to bring order to chaotic homes by | | | | established the parents, on review, praise the success |
| setting the stage for new parenting techniques. | | | | of the technique and find that often a warning is all that |
| Actually, British Nanny, Jo Frost, who is the star of the | | | | is needed. |
| show is doing anything BUT new parenting. She | | | | BEDTIME: |
| actually encourages parents to stick to the old time | | | | Bedtime trouble is a serious problem with many |
| rules of discipline, consistency and creating boundaries. | | | | families. Frost starts with parents returning the |
| Although there is a noticeable absence of any physical | | | | escapee repeatedly until the youngster remains in bed. |
| punishment, the firm rules that are put in place work | | | | For tougher cases she has the mother or father sit on |
| apparent miracles on unruly children while helping | | | | the floor next to the child's bed with their head down. |
| parents develop confidence in their parenting skills. | | | | This provides the child with security but removes eye |
| If you haven't been among the millions of viewers now | | | | contact or verbal attention. If the child climbs out of |
| hooked on watching the Supernanny bring sanity to | | | | bed they are not comforted but are put right back. |
| American homes, then here's a review of some of her | | | | ATTENTION: |
| systems: | | | | The 'Supernanny' creates a family schedule that |
| DISCIPLINE: | | | | includes special time for playing and interacting with the |
| It is setting clear boundaries which helps parents and | | | | children, as well as allowing parents to spend time |
| children deal with problem issues - whether it's eating | | | | together. Frost may be making the most difference by |
| at the table, back-talking or fighting with siblings. | | | | helping parents view themselves as a parenting team, |
| One of Frost's main techniques is to create a time-out | | | | as well as pointing out that having childrenshould be |
| area - either a rug, bean bag chair or a room with no | | | | enjoyable. |
| toys or TV for distraction. To implement the system | | | | If you are curious about more of her techniques or just |
| parents are coached to warn their defiant offspring of | | | | want to watch families (worse than your own) clean |
| the punishment beforehand. If a warning doesn't work | | | | up house - check her out on ABC, Mondays. |
| then the child is placed in the time-out area. | | | | |