The Porter Family

The Porter Family is the second episode of series 5 of the British Supernanny show. It was remade and re-released as the 20th episode of season 5 of the American Supernanny show.

Episode summary
"Princess Maddy rules the roost in the Porters household. She is a nine-year-old who throws tantrums like a two-year-old if she doesn't get her own way.

The whole family is treading on eggshells. Mum treats her like a baby choosing her clothes, helping her shower, brushing her teeth, and cutting up her food for her. She even has to be bribed to take a shower.

Her mum Hayley's first child from a previous marriage died before he was two. Supernanny soon realises that this is why Hayley’s been wrapping Maddy up in cotton wool.

Tantrums can last for hours with Mum being the main focus of Maddy's outbursts and physical aggression. Biting and scratching is commonplace and Mum is the main victim.

Outings often have to be stopped before they've even got out the car as Maddy's tantrums are so extreme.

Can Supernanny tame the tantrums? Or is this one battle of the wills which can't be won?" - supernanny.co.uk

Transcript

 * The Porter Family/Transcript

Trivia

 * The Go to Bed Early technique was nearly used during Madison's Reflection Room tantrum, when she locked herself in the bathroom. Jo would count to three, and if the door was not open, she would be taking Madison to bed, and she will be staying there for the night.
 * Jo quoted on it being lamp shaded just before she discussed it with Madison
 * This is one of the last episodes to be edited for the American show.
 * While Hayley and Merrill's ages are shown in the American version, their ages are unknown in the UK.
 * This is one of four episodes to feature a family member that died pre-episode. The other three are The Smith-Clarke Family, The Addis Family and The Evans Family
 * It remains unknown as to how Jake passed away. However fans have settled on it likely being Cot death. Similar to how Josh from the Smith-Clarke Family died
 * Sometime after 2011, Hayley and Merrill divorced.

Behind the scenes
This was filmed as May 2008 at the earliest.
 * Merrill's age may be a bit older than 34.