Welcome to Something for Nothing

This show was filmed last summer and was scheduled to air in Feb of this year. Because of the controversy around it, the producers chose not to air it. Since then we have been inundated with headlines about teen pregnancy and NBC executives must have decided it was worth the risk to air the show. I hope this show can open up discussions within families on important issues like teen pregnancy. Statistically, up to half of the teen pregnancies each year are planned. Hopefully, this show will give young teens a different perspective on what having a baby will mean for them.

Here’s a two minute recap if you missed the show.

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Tom Shelly & Kristy Pew
An Executive Producer with a Mom who ‘donated’ her baby to the experiment share their story.

Maybe this is just me, but what I find most shocking about the show is not what was aired but the statements people have been making about it. I have heard experts in the field of child psychology expressing professional opinions from both ends of the spectrum. Some saying this will have no lasting negative effects on the babies featured on this show. Others state that these babies are now scarred for life. It’s scary to think that if you ever need to seek psychological help for your child, the diagnosis you get can vary that much depending on the expert!

If you have questions or concerns about the show, you will find one of the nannies that worked on the show and several of the parents posting at the NBC forums for the show. In this thread two of the real life mothers answer some questions about the show. Interesting reading.

Finally, here is a web exclusive from The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet featuring Kelsey, one of the teens and Natalie one of the mothers who ‘loaned’ her baby.

I really enjoyed the show and I look forward to seeing how the teens deal with parenting toddlers next week.

Watch Wednesdays at 9pmE/8pmC