The Parent Test

This could have been great! Quit viewing before the final episode when the show loses all value and the media views are being pushed onto parents. Up until then the respectful and debate style of the show is inspirational and parents get a chance to Explain and defend their parenting style. It was great to see parents who are parenting with purpose. Each families purpose was different, which was a real eye opener and educational. I think parents in all seasons could find something positive to take away from the show. It would have been better had all the groups participated in the same tests instead of only 3 at a time and I would love to see a follow up. Did any of the parents incorporate any of the other parenting styles into their parenting. How are the children faring now and as adults?

The idea of this show is really clever and could be a seriously helpful tool for future or current parents to bounce ideas and learn possible better child caring practices. HOWEVER, the fault in this show is that not only are the parental styles competing, (even though some are SO similar) but they have the parents judging one another.

Some of these parents are downright abusive and delusional- and they are getting equal chance to pick the "best" parenting style. As you can guess, most parents favor styles similar to their own and reject styles that don't meet THEIR needs as adults and parents. It's frankly gross to see no interjection or actual child wellness professionals in this show. Who is there for the kids? The answer you soon find out is no one.

I was hoping for more learning from this show- but unfortunately it just kept validating my worst fears of parents and their own egos. Deeply disappointing, and I will only remember the few episodes I watched because of the disturbing parents that were allowed to abuse their kids for other's entertainment.

This show is great and I love seeing everyone interact with each other. The problem I have is with the Stranger Test. This test was traumatizing and poorly conducted by network. You put 3 of 4 families in scenarios that they would NOT put their children in. The Wynne family(no disrespect) 'passed' but how would the kids do if they got separated from you in a crowd or a mall or park..maybe the parents should have been able to intervene so kids could see how their parents reacted to a stranger at the door. That should have been the test..not to terrify the kids about strangers in their own home. In your own ways parents you are all raising respectful, knowledgeable and durable lil humans that will be assets to this world!

How can you conduct a study/ test when all families are not conducting the same test. There is a huge difference between jump off a high dive with no safety harness vs climbing a rock wall with safety gear. The test has no control to accurately compare. Both tests has a fear of heights but one has to do more with physical ability vs taking a leap of trust. I feel the producers did different test for half the parents because they were afraid to lose ratings then actually conduct a test to compare the different parent techniques. So how can viewers see / difference in talking a kid to jump versus talking a kid to climb a wall?

It feels exploitive for the kids. I'm all for these parents and/or families going on a parenting retreat together or having a group session. But to make it a game show on national tv just feels like cheap voyeurism. Oh ok, not enough characters for this review. There were so many opportunities for candid parental critiques which got passed over to seemingly protect the feelings of the parent. Thankfully the bullying scene was a reenactment. One benefit I could see, maybe it helps some parents realize that reflecting on your parenting style is a good thing. If it hadn't been sold as a game show...I guess it'd be a different show.