Who doesn’t know the Supernanny show? The show has helped many parents who are overwhelmed with their children and did not want to curb with violence.
Jo Frost is the right person since she has 21 years experience in the field of childcare and working as nanny in UK and US, even she has no children yet, but in the future “Children is most definitely a possibility.” And will use her own techniques on her children,
“Well of course…I would be crazy not to,”
Her new show, Extreme Parental Guidance, a show that she states looks into bigger family issues, has shown in the UK. But the 40-years-old childcare expert has partnered with American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC). She tells the reason.
“Our strategy this year is to create awareness and visibility around the growing epidemic of child abuse and neglect, because everyone is impacted. Child abuse is the pink elephant in the room that no one wants to acknowledge, most people are burying their heads in the sand around this topic. But when we choose not to talk about it, it enables this epidemic to remain silent and the problem only grows.
1,770 children died last year in the U.S. from child abuse, that is the equivalent to 70 classrooms full of children. This is horrific. We must stop ignoring the truth and be proactive today.
With the help of the general public, celebrities, political figures, corporations, educational institutions, sports teams, and those alike, a collective movement could be initiated to create national, government-backed, educational and support programs for children, parents, and all caregivers. We need to ask for everyone’s help– whether you donate money to the charity, give your time, spread the message online, send in your videos, everything counts.
The American SPCC has been founded to help set up programs nationally for the prevention of child abuse. Did you know the U.S. is #1 in the industrialized world in deaths related to child abuse and neglect? This must stop. Please go to AmericanSPCC.org to show your support.”
What are some of the most common mistakes parents make when disciplining their children?
“May I remind parents that consequences are not the resolution for well behaved children. Parents first need to establish healthy communication, set up realistic expectations, give descriptive praise when they see unprompted behavior and be consistent in your parenting.”
As a parent, what should you do if you feel like you’ve reached the boiling point?
“If you feel like you have reached the boiling point you must step back as to gain some discipline and composure yourself. Observe and be confident if your next move. Whether that’s a warning or a conversation and step up in following through. When parents lose control it can lead to behavior where there is remorse afterward. This only breaks down the relationship between parent and child.”
Give us your top three tips for disciplining children.
“1. Convey your ground rules; 2. Be generous with your approvals of the complying behavior; and 3. Be consistent wherever you are.”
And what she thinks about bedtime story? She says, “Every bedtime story is a good story when it is being told with a snuggle and a cuddle. I’m a favorite of the classic collection Beatrice Potter.”
How about any holiday tradition? “As a Brit we don’t do Thanksgiving. As I live here now I will embracing the festivities,” she says. “Gratitude I believe shouldn’t be for just one day a year. It should be all year round.”
Do you have any advice to help parents survive the holidays?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Make choices about what is a priority. Say ‘yes’ to help and be flexible with your routine.”
