I've been a busy bee, playing around with all the nifty things Squarespace has to offer.  I was dying to try out all these features, especially since now I am a paying member and not just in trial mode.  Anyway, I am adding a new discussion forum since, well, because I am a dork and think adding a discussion module would be kinda cool. But, also I am an avid fan of the Super Nanny and Nanny 911 shows (which probably only confirms the dork part).  I was planning on posting on them each week anyway, so why not give them their own billing? And, of course, this way I get to play around with the geeky techie stuff as well.

So, visit the Nanny Notes Discussion forum.  Let me wow you with my amazing web skills and keen observational insight at once! Go ahead, click on it. You know you're dying to click on it.

2 boys; roughly ages 4 & 6 and 1 baby girl

Even though this episode was a repeat, I hadn’t seen it before. But, overall, I have to say that this episode did not have much to offer. Since I only have one child of toddler age, I usually don’t face the same situations most of these families do, but none-the-less I am able to wring out some good information and sock it away. I try to hoard up all that nanny wisdom for those evitable times I will certainly need them. In addition to the techniques I learn, I also like to figure out the underlining reasons to the problems that these parents unknowingly created on their own. You know what I mean, those patterns that start out innocent enough, with all the right intentions, and end up becoming your reason to drink heavily come the weekend.

This episode was pretty obvious. The kids were somewhat spoiled and the parents did not work together as a team supporting each other in their discipline. I don’t know, but it seemed to me that this family’s issues were somewhat mundane, and their gorgeous house with two playrooms bigger than my entire first floor somehow left me a tad dry in the pity department. (Still, I try hard not to be that way. I remind myself that even with all her money, I am sure when Paris Hilton stubs her perfectly manicured big toe, it hurts just as much as mine.) But, these boys weren’t really so bad, which left Jo without her moment to shine. That’s the best part, isn’t it? To see her waltz in, observe the next Son of Sam in action, then give such a hopeful and positive twist on the kid. I love that. I envy that. I want to be that. She just blows me away, because I do believe she is being 100% sincere. I watch some of these episodes with these wild kids and am thinking to myself, “Just hang on lady! In a few more years he’ll be carted off to juvenile detention and you’ll have peace.” And then in walks Jo, and she starts talking about how bright and observant he is and how a little more positive attention from mom and dad will cure all that misdirected anger. I swear, I wish she was my therapist back in the day. But, I digress…

The most important info this episode gave me was the “Appreciation Technique”. You take away the over abundance of toys and anything that is not being treated properly until a full appreciation for them is learned. It’s simple and the benefits are twofold: You minimize the toy mess and your kids learn to respect and appreciate the things they have. I love this technique. I will use this technique. I know it works because my mom used it on me. (However, in those days it was known by the more common name “Confiscation Punishment”). All I’m wondering is how far can I take this technique? Would it be appropriate to apply it to other things? For example, can my husband tell Piper in a calm, yet stern voice: “Noooooow, Piper…You know you only have one mommy. And, if I see you taking her for granted or abusing her, then I’ll have to her away (to Aruba!) until you have learned how to appreciate her and treat her properly.” Would that be acceptable, Jo?