We all remember the strict, almost dominatrix-looking Jo Frost ofSupernanny.
She entered the most chaotic homes with her stiff updo and rimmed glasses, ready to work miracles.
We saw the most out-of-control children go from cursing at their parents to happily setting the table each night.
Grab a seat on the naughty step and join us!
It turns out that the show almost cost Frost one of her most important relationships.
ShetoldET Onlinethat her relationship with fiance Darrin Jackson suffered during filming.
“Darrin is production manager on this show, so he gets to work with us.
It almost didn’t work!
Frost shared that she still planned to work after settling down and becoming a mother.
However, she and Jackson are committed to making it work no matter what.
The more out of control the children were, the more exciting the episode.
The tantrums were truly groundbreaking, and they kept us coming back for more.
Sadly, some of these tantrums were allegedly coerced.
However,Channel 4officialstold theNew York Postthat this never happened on the American version ofSupernanny.
The show has a royal fan
The families featured onSupernannyappeared completely out of control.
The kids ran the show as they screamed at their parents and threw their vegetables across the kitchen.
Jo Frost had her work cut out for her week to week.
Even a seemingly perfect family studied her methods.
When Kate Middleton was pregnant with her first baby, Prince Williamshared that he began watchingDVDs ofSupernanny.
Prince Harry reportedly got sucked into the show as well!
Frosttold theTelegraphthat she was happy when she found out the royal family was watching.
“I’m glad they’re watching,” she said.
“I’m pleased.”
Did the show exploit the kids?
During the height ofSupernanny’s success,concerns were raisedabout the well-being of the families, specifically the children.
Seeing them go from epic meltdown mode to happy and helpful little angels kept us coming back for more.
However, the kids never actually agreed to be on television.
We sat there watching these children during their darkest times.
The more distressed they were, the better the episode.
Perhaps it wasn’t fair to subject them to national television.
What will happen when they grow up and see themselves acting that way?
When theGuardianasked Frost if she was ever concerned about exploiting children, she quickly said no.
“I mean, my God, I’m for the family.
I’m for the children.
I would never put children in a situation where I felt I was exploiting them.”
In 2011, Frost released her parenting book,Jo Frost’s Confident Toddler Care.
“I really love writing,” FrosttoldAt Home.
I guess, in hindsight, the seed was sown.
I’ve just finished my seventh one!”
Frost shared that she found the format ofSupernannytoo restrictive.
She craved working with the entire family unit, rather than focusing more on the children.
ShetoldAt Homethat she had to set healthier boundaries for herself after having a health setback following the show.
I was restricted in what I could do physically and psychologically.
That was a big drawback for me and, slowly, I’m getting myself back on track."
After recovering from surgery, Frost decided it was time to start saying ‘no’ more often.
She focused on a better balance and let herself turn down projects when she was feeling stretched too thin.
Looks like even theSupernannyneeds some rules for herself!
The families always seemed so much closer and more peaceful at the end.
That’s probably why it’s so sad to think that the stories didn’t end there.
This was certainly true for the Young family.
Frost spent two weeks with this family of five boys.
Sadly, that naughty stool went up in flames.
The family’s three-year-old son Joel set fire to the house with a kitchen lighter after appearing onSupernanny.
No one was hurt, but the house was destroyed.
Sheshared withParentsthat there is an entire team behind the camera who are vital to the family’s success.
“I also work alongside a production company that is very sensitive.
Frost explained that she makes sure that the families always come first onSupernanny, and that requires a team.
The most important members of that team are the parents.
Nannies don’t like the show
Not everyone agrees with Jo Frost and her tactics.
One surprising group who isn’t crazy about her strategies is other nannies.
The nanny serviceENannySourceposted its top 10 reasons why nannies don’t loveSupernanny.
Nannies worry that the show gives unrealistic expectations for nannies.
They also worry that the show thrives on drama, much more than is natural for the average family.
The average nanny spends her days changing diapers and playing at the park.
You don’t need epic tantrums and meltdowns every day.
Finally, ENannySource explains that nannies should be part of the family, not the leader.
Parents are still in charge when it comes to their children, so they need to stay engaged.
