Family Update Special is a special episode of the American Supernanny show.
Episode Summary[]
Jo Frost presents a special episode that updates Supernanny’s viewers on six of the families that appeared on the show over the first season. On this special, Jo returns to the The Gorbea Family and watches many other families she has helped on her DVD player. For each DVD-recorded family, she watches an episode recap followed by an update on the family, an expression of gratitude for her help, and a question about any lingering problems.
The Jeans Family Update[]
As she rides in her taxi, Jo announces that she is returning to The Gorbea Family to see how they've been doing while she was away. At the same time, she will also be using her DVD player, to check up on the other families she helped. As the taxi continues its drive, Jo checks up on the first family she helped: The Jeans Family.
When Jo helped the family, Andra in particular was the biggest challenge. She was allowed to be aggressive and confrontational, and the girls were a handful of trouble for parents, Barbara and David. Andra’s behaviour was also starting to influence her younger sister, Jessie. Mealtimes for the kids was havoc and David was completely on edge throughout. After Jo taught Barbara how to be more confident, Barbara didn’t feel overwhelmed when managing all three of the girls. With a schedule in place, the girls were no longer bored and misbehaving as often.
The family is seen playing outside together and enjoying mealtimes together. The girls are swinging on the swings, they are taking turns with the balloon. The girls are sitting together chanting “Supernanny is Jo!” The biggest change with the girls is that they are playing much better together.
Barbara explains that the routine is still up and that she uses it everyday. According to her, “It really has revolutionized how I get the through the day with the kids.” David is thankful that Jo helped the family organize everything, and his favorite times of the day are breakfast and dinner, when they all sit together as a family. The girls’ table manners have improved and the family is all happy. Barbara tells Jo that she gave her her life back. She feels a lot better now that she felt at any point since her kids were born.
While the family has improved significantly, Barbara has questions about Craft Time; it is hard for her to find activities that the girls can all do at once. Jo suggests putting all of the supplies in the middle of the table so that the girls can choose what they want to do. Now the family has structure, it’s important that the girls lead their activity and developing their creativity together.
Jo Returns to The Gorbeas[]
The welcome banner at the Gorbea Family house
As The Jeans Family's revisit ends, Jo checks in with the Gorbeas. When Jo saw the family last, Adam was literally attached to Evelina, who also had a hard time letting go of Adam. Bedtime was chaotic: Adam wouldn’t sleep unless his parents went first. Because Adam monopolized Evelina’s time, Demetrius and Meya felt left out. When it came helping around the house, Robert was plain lazy. At first, Robert didn’t like the idea and put tape on the schedule, but once he did help out, he felt very good about himself.
When Jo prepares to enter the house, she sees a large banner on the front lawn that reads, "Welcome back, Supernanny! We missed you!"
Everyone is very excited to see Jo. Evelina reports that Adam is doing excellent. He doesn't act out as much, and he plays on his own and with his older siblingts. He has grown up a lot since Jo left. Adam proudly reports that he sleeps all by himself at night, prompting Jo to give him a high five. Evelina says that Adam goes to bed beautifully without a fight, while Robert affirms that they still take turns with family duties. Evelina is proud of Robert’s commitment for the family.
The Wischmeyer Family Update[]
Now in the household, Jo gets Evelina with her to check up on The Wischmeyer Family to show that she wasn't the only one with the issues she once had. Jo tells Evelina about Jared, the only son of the family. Like Demetrius and Meya, Jared was overlooked by Melora because Ashlyn and Alaia, who are a little older than Adam, demanded Melora’s attention. When Jo visited the family, Jared didn’t feel heard by his parents while Ashlyn and Alaia had big sassy attitudes, yelling all the time. They wouldn’t sleep unless it was on their terms. Once she showed John and Melora how be consistent, things got better. Evelina saw that she wasn't alone, proudly admitting that the Stay in Bed technique has saved her family.
Since Jo has left, the family has been doing fine. The kids are seen playing in the snow, Jared is riding on his bike talking with his mom, Ashlyn and Alaia are having popsicles, and Jared is giving Ashlyn a piggy back ride as all three of the kids are roaring up with laughter.
Jared reports that since Jo left, the family has been. Melora admits that life before Jo was nuts when she was trying to work part-time jobs and from home and raise three kids. Jared says that Melora has time for him and his sisters more and he can talk to her. Melora has a new Thought Box called "Jared's Thoughts" that she keeps on the fridge to allow Jared to share his thoughts with her each day. Both mother and son are closer than ever.
John reports that the girls' bedtime routine is much smoother; the girls don’t get out of bed once. When Jo was there for the two weeks helping the family, both Ashlyn and Alaia went to the Naughty Corner four or five times a day each. After Jo left since Christmas, they have rarely used the Naughty Corner, but it’s working for them. Alaia would go there every once in a while, and Ashlyn has never been back in the corner. It would take a warning and that’s it. Melora feels that thanks to Jo, she is a better mother and listener.
Since the girls will be starting kindergarten next year, Melora asks if the discipline technique from home should be used at kindergarten or just stay at home. Jo says to Evelina that this will be a situation she and Adam will face sooner or later. She advises that Evelina (and for Melora as well) that they should communicate with the school to make sure they are on the same page when it comes to the kids succeeding in school. Always make sure there’s consistency at home and at school. The kids need to follow the rules no matter where they go.
Parenting Advice[]
Woman talking about her son's manipulative behavior during Jo's playground visit
Jo walks with the Gorbeas to a local park, where parents gather to ask Jo parenting advice.
- Jo first meets Irene and her daughter Caroline, who wanders off all the time. Jo says that running off is all right as long as it's in a safe place and Irene has her eye on Caroline. Irene then asks Jo about her temper since she yells a lot. Jo explains that the family needs to be consistent with telling Caroline that this is unacceptable and follow through with consequences.
- Another mom talks about how smart and manipulative her son is. Jo tells the mom not to treat it like a game; the son is seven and knows what is going on. The parent must always have a firm line and expectations so that kids know what will please the parents.
- A dad of two-year-old triplets asks Jo about one of the triplets, who goes into "violent rages" for things like getting a toy taken away. He is afraid the violent triplet will harm the other two. Jo advises giving the violent triplet her own special toy that does not get shared and teach them all to share the other toys. She then talks to the mom of the triplets, who is holding a sleeping boy with bite marks all over his arms. Jo explains that at two years old, they may be too young to understand discipline, but both parents need to redirect them and remove the kids from the situation when necessary.
The Ririe Family Update[]
Scott pummels his children with a giant soccer ball during the Ririe Family Update
Still at the park, Jo and Evelina review The Ririe Family update. Blake was the most troublesome for the mom, Jennifer, and he always had a hard time being out in public because he would wander off. Once Jo showed the Riries how to keep Blake safe, he improved dramatically. Mealtimes were a problem because the kids ate junk food all day. Mom and dad didn’t always agree on parenting. Evelina noted that she and Robert also disagreed on parenting.
The kids are seen going outside, while Jennifer confidently settled a fight between Blake and Brody over the toy truck. Since Brody had the truck first, Blake listened to her when she firmly tells him to give it back to Brody. Then the kids are playing with the truck together, playing with the giant soccer ball and swinging on the swings.
Jennifer says that Jo's visit made her a different person. Scott agrees and notes that Jo gave Jennifer the authority to keep the kids in line. They don't need to use the Naughty Circle that much anymore; a warning is enough. She feels she has the freedom to take the kids out without worrying about something bad happening. Everyone keeps their snacking in control and eats better. Jennifer and Scott are better at communicating and still use the Same Page technique.
Jennifer asks how to keep Brody from going through the same "terrible twos" that Blake did, but Jo explains that it is a question of confidence.
More Parenting Advice[]
Jo surrounded by parents seeking her wisdom and advice
Back at the Gorbea home, the doorbell rings. Jo opens the door to find a large group of parents, who are looking for advice from her. The following topics are asked to Jo:
- One mother, Lisa, asks for advice on preparing her two children for a third child. Jo suggests that she needs to involve the other children as much as possible.
- Another mom, Terri, asks how to make the time at home work better for her job as a flight attendant. Jo's suggestion is to have a schedule for when she's at home, and for her babysitter and 17 year old who take care of the other kids when she's away.
- Lastly, one final mom, Diane, asks for help regarding her son who frantically gets up at 3 a.m. and runs for the front door. Jo explains that the boy has gotten into a habit and if he wakes up to assure him everything's ok. If it continues, she suggests that Diane should get him a sleep consultant to look deeper into why he's doing this.
She congratulates all the parents for taking on the hard work and joy of being parents, then says, "OK, I'm going to go in now!" Everyone says goodbye to Jo.
Adam getting over his parents leaving him by asking to play a racecar game
After dinnertime, Evelina and Robert have plans to go out. Jo notices that Adam isn't feeling well, and Evelina confirms that Adam has an ear infection. Evelina asks if she could still discipline him if he plays up even if he’s not feeling well. Jo answers that she should discipline him if he gets aggressive because that would not be acceptable. If Adam is really sick, then Evelina could tell.
Once the children's aunt and uncle arrive, Adam freaks out a little bit. Jo instructs the aunt and uncle to tell Adam to calm down and ask what game he wants to play. Her tactics are successful, and Adam is quickly distracted by the prospect of playing a game. Evalina worries about how the kids will get on without them, but Robert says that they will be fine with Jo.
Bullard Family Update[]
While Adam is read a goodnight story, Jo reviews The Bullard Family. The Bullards had their hands full with their kids and the 24-hour business from home. Jen was constantly answering the phone and the kids were lacking the attention that they needed. With the schedule in place, mom and dad can balance their work and time with their family.
Bryce reports that the family schedule is still going well. The family is seen playing outside, having fun at the park, and eating dinner. Jen says that the Sleep Separation technique has made the hugest impact in their household. Everyone gets more sleep and Rylan goes to bed beautifully. The schedule lets them block out time just for the children, which has made a big difference for the kids. All of the calls that Jen doesn't pick up during the "No Phone" time now go directly to Bryce’s cell phone when Bryce is at work and when Jen plays with the kids. The family still has the Naughty Mat, which they keep one of as a visual for timeout. Brycie is listening a lot more and Jen doesn’t recall the last time she had to put him on the Naughty Mat; a warning is enough to get him back on track. Rylan is doing a lot better with his table manners and his food. Jen affirms that Jo's techniques don't just change you as a parent; they change you as a person. She and Bryce can’t imagine life would be without them now. The kids say that they miss Jo.
Jen asks Jo for advice on how to get Rylan to brush his teeth. She uses the Naughty Mat when Rylan refuses to brush his teeth, and while he does comply with the discipline, it is not effective in achieving its intended goal. Jo clarifies that the Naughty Mat is for more serious things. Since teeth-brushing is just a life skill, Jen should turn it into a fun and engaging activity.
Orm Family Update[]
Jo tucks the kids in and says goodbye to them. Demetrius gives Jo a letter thanking her for everything she's done for his family. After that, Jo watches the Orm Family update on DVD.
Shawn enjoying fatherhood during the Orm Family Update
When Jo saw the family last, the house was chaotic with three boys running amok in different directions. Chandler would talk back to his mom, Caden was a picky eater, and Declan would run into the street. Tami was very passive and permissive and Shaun was very hard on the boys. Once Jo established a proper discipline technique, the behavior has improved drastically. Then she checks in on them.
Shaun doesn’t have his cap on, and he is shown to be balding already. The family are seen swimming at the pool, having lunch, made lollipops, and playing baseball.
Tami says that life has changed a lot for them since Jo came. There is a lot more peace in the house, and there is no need to yell anymore. The parents communicate better, the kids are better at listening, their eating habits have improved, and they are all working together better as a family. The Naughty Room is still a good form of discipline for the boys, but the boys don’t have to go to the room as much anymore. A warning is usually enough to bring the boys back in line. The boys explain how the discipline works, and Tami affirms that the technique is effective. They thank Jo for her help and their experience.
Conclusion[]
Evelina and Robert return home from their night out. They are surprised that everything is quiet and that Adam was okay after a few minutes. This is a good learning curve for Robert and Evelina; when they go out for the evening as a couple, their kids will be okay. Evelina gives Jo a necklace as thanks. Jo gets emotional, hugs Evelina and Robert goodbye, and leaves the Gorbea home, looking forward to helping more families. A short card runs asking families seeking Supernanny's help to contact ABC. During the credits, an outtake of Jo saying goodbye to all the parents on the Gorbea Family lawn is shown. When she tries to enter the house, she finds that the door is stuck. Jo exclaims with surprise, "Now I can't open the door!" and everyone laughs.
Behind The Scenes[]
This episode was filmed in January 2005.
Trivia[]
- The Naughty Chair was mentioned a few times by Evelina and Jo, but like in the original episode (where it is seen when Off The Hip is being introduced) it is never shown being used.
- The Weston Family, The Bailey Family (Season 1), The Burnett Family, and The Christiansen Family, are the only season 1 families who do not return in this special. Despite this, the Westons were given their own sequence akin to that of the updates seen in this episode when the episode premiered on ABC.
- It is very much possible that the Westons were initially planned to appear in the special but were dropped for unknown reasons. As such, their report to Jo was instead moved to the premiere of their episode.
- It is worthy to note that the Baileys, Burnetts and Christiansens did not recieve their own progress report segments when they first aired.
- It's very much possible, that, with the exception of a few; the families who returned alongside the Gorbeas, were selected, for having similar themes to that of the Gorbeas
- The Wischmeyer Family: As Jo noted to Evalina in the episode, the older children were left unable to get the attention they deserved due to their younger siblings always acting out.
- The Ririe Family: Blake and Adam were both extremely wild kids and because of Robert and Scott's lazy behaviour, Evalina and Jennifer were left unable to properly control them.
- The Bullard Family: Again, whilst for different reasonings, all the kids (except Adam), were missing out on the attention they deserved from their parents.
- The only families who did not display similar features to the Gorbeas, were the Jeans and the Orms.
Fan Reception and Legacy[]
Note: Do not change The D Family back to its original title due to privacy requests from the family.
Fans generally loved the Family Update Special. They enjoyed seeing the progress that the families shown in this episode made, and they noted how lighthearted and hopeful the special was. All in all, this special is thought to be a satisfying and heartwarming ending to the inaugural season of the American Supernanny show.
The Family Update Special is also known for being the first of all revisits and updates. Following this episode's broadcast, fans have requested more updates from the different families that Jo has helped. Since then, many episodes have included a short update describing how the family has continued to follow through with the techniques that Jo has taught them. In addition, several specials centered around revisiting families have spawned, including:
External Links[]
| Season 1 |
|---|
| The Jeans Family • The Bullard Family • The Orm Family • The Wischmeyer Family • The Weston Family • The Bailey Family • The Gorbea Family • The Ririe Family • The Collins Family • The Burnett Family • The Christiansen Family • Family Update Special |