The parents are able to watch the kids via live video cameras all throughout the house. So if something is not right they can go in and give advice or admonish them for neglecting the baby.

One girl was not feeding the baby enough because she was getting frustrated and the mom had to come in and give some advice. Of course the teenager got all upset and copped an attitude from there on out. But the mom could have advised a little less with an attitude herself but she was upset. After all it was her baby not getting fed.

I wonder how much these parents are getting paid to let the network borrow their babies??? Don't think I could ever do something like this...Sue

why not put the person into the family setting, so they can really learn? with guidance and patience?

i see no point for this show. is it productive to make someone frustrated and allow any possibilty of neglect or stress on a child? for anyone.

what a horrible thing to do.

i couldn't stomach one episode of kid nation. this sounds so much worse.

I'm with you Curious. I could barely sit through the first episode. I found nothing educational about the show. It was pure exploitation at the expense of the babies for the sake of entertainment. There is NO WAY I would have handed my child over to those teenagers OR the producers of the show. For what - a little money and a chance to see your kid cry and vomit on TV?

I rarely ever watched TV as a kid, and I'm finding it harder to watch it now. If these reality shows are a glimpse into our culture and lifestyle, it seems to me we have some serious problems.

I'm thinking of throwing out my TV.

I agree with you guys on this exploiting of people especially kids for the sake of so called entertainment. Kid Nation was a rough one. I really don't understand why parents would let their kids partake in these shows. Who knows maybe they think they will get discovered.

I did like how one parent came in and helped the teens named Daton and Morgan. The dad came in and sat down and talked to them and also showed them how to interact with his child.

I thought that this would be an eye opener to teens about what it is like to be a parent but after watching it I don't know. Several times there was innappropriate language used and also alot of drama. I guess it goes back to the old adage of TV cannot raise our kids, we need to. Not only did I have many talks with my kids, I also encouraged them to babysit and get their fill of taking care of babies so they would get just enough of a taste to know how hard it really is.

Anyway here is a link to the shows website if anyone is interested...Sue

http://www.nbc.com/The_Baby_Borrowers/

Hi there. Those of you have expressed dismay are not alone -- the show's come under fire by 2 organizations -- a child advocacy group called Zero to Three and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). I don't even have kids and I was alarmed by the very little I saw!

FYI

They are having an auction here in Eagle for the house, set, and all the stuff that was inside the homes that were used to film the show. It is about a mile or so from where I live!


Just a tidbit of information from the local community. The teens that were involved from here said they learned a lot from this show. It taught them that they need to be a lot more careful about pre-marital sex and having kids. They are not toys and it was a valuable lesson.

The parents of those "borrowed" children were close by and the children/babies were never in danger. Listening to the parents of one of 6 month olds that was used, she said that her child loved the attention and has been great around other kids and other people since the filming.

It's nice to have a little bit more information about what went on when the show was filmed in your backyard. There's always going to be some one or some group who is always going to complain about something. No one will ever be happy about everything. Those groups were not there...they only saw the final product.

I can't say that know everything that happened, I only what the local people who were involved the show are saying.

Interesting. I wish they would do follow ups and see what the teens are doing in a few months or a year. Sometimes the memory gets a little foggy when you are young. I have a couple friends who had kids as a teen but to this day still make mistakes around the same issues and in no way can afford another child. I can't imagine myself taking the chance of putting my child through this but it may be just like leaving your child with a babysitter which must be hard these days too. I have no kids so don't know. I have never seen this show but I can't imagine these teens don't know how to babysit and be responsible for a short time. I was babysitting at 10 which is crazy when I look back but knew how to care for a baby but that was for the short run not a day in and out. Big difference.

Daniella, I don't know how old you are now, but suspect that havinf babysat at age ten may have played some part in the fact that you did not have unwanted babies.



I too started babysitting young - age 12. And believe me I was very careful about NOT getting pregnant before I was SURE I was ready for the responsibility.



Babies themselves can be the best form of birth control. With my granddaughter in the house, it wouldn't surprise me if her aunt (my dd) never has kids.

I am the oldest of 6 and also started babysitting at an early age. Although subconsciously that may have played a small part in my not having kids, but I think the biggest part was biological. You learn early what you are willing to tolerate and I knew that I had little to no patience and I didn't want to be like my mom, ever!

Interesting. I am an only child and I think babysitting filled the void of not having siblings. As a young girl or teen I wanted children and now there is no way. I know this is horrible but I just feel I have had too many issues and struggles to be a good parent and I see how this trend has went through my family and impacts the next generation.I am recovered now but now facing this chronic health issues and pain there is no way I need extra layers in my life. I give so many here credit for having to deal with their health and families. Hugs