The Mom Crowd

On Wednesday, NBC premiered its newest reality series, The Baby Borrowers.  It’s about five teen couples participating in an “experiment” to care for a baby, toddler, pre-teen, teenager, and an elderly person, along with random pets.  They spend 3 days with each “borrowed” person, in a brand-new house on a cul-de-sac in a nondescript small American town.  The real parents are watching all of the action on a monitor next door, in case something serious happens.  There is also a professional nanny in each home, there to shadow the couples and make sure nothing goes too terribly awry.  The point is to learn about parenting first-hand.  There are no prizes or eliminations. 

When I first heard of this show, I felt skeptical about its overall premise, but I thought I would give it a look-see.  The first episode introduced us to the couples and showed them preparing for the arrival of their baby, as well as a glimpse at their first day with the child.

I’m not gonna lie.  Watching this was painful.  And I am capable of watching a lot of painful stuff, y’all (like this, and this, and this.  Who’s with me?)  I started off taking notes, but stopped after a few minutes.  From that point on, I was trying very hard not to gouge my eyes out with my pen. 

In the introduction, one of the actual “lending” mothers declared, “It’s important for teens to learn about the realities of parenting and be responsible for another little person.”  I couldn’t agree more.  My question is, is this the most effective way to teach them?  Furthermore, what is the purpose of this experiment: to prevent teenage pregnancies?  To dispell any notions kids might have that having a baby is a glamorous thing?  One of NBC’s promos shouted at me, “It’s not tv… it’s birth control!”  So I guess that’s my answer.  Never mind that the poor babies had no idea what was going on and had to live in some sterile house with nervous, inexperienced teenagers for three days.  No wonder they were crying nonstop.

We were able to get a glimpse as to why the couples were participating.  One pair, Morgan and Daton (name game: figure out which is the boy and girl!), said they were using the show as a test for their turbulent relationship.  Morgan said, “Our relationship is at stake here.”  Like we care.  They’re what, 17?  That said, Daton (the guy) was a doll.  Of all the teens, he appeared the most comfortable slipping on a parenting role, and came across very responsible, which was endearing for the young San Diego surfer boy.  Morgan, on the other hand, didn’t want to read her instruction manual at all while their little charge was napping.  Instead, she picked at her split ends and complained of boredom.

Another boy, Sean, was a natural with his baby.  But that didn’t interest him so much as the idea of using this experiment to convince his girlfriend Kelsey that she’s too young to be a mom.  That’s his mission on the show, and he was determined to burst her bubble.  Kelsey, in turn, was more upset by the fact that the baby preferred her boyfriend over her.  Many tears ensued.  That baby girl had some nerve!  

I was pretty creeped out by the narration throughout.  I felt like I was listening to storytime in my worst nightmare.  “Austin and Kelly are a preppy southern couple from Georgia with traditional values.”  Cut to them playing tennis in matching outfits.  Five minutes later, we see Kelly throw a tantrum at the idea of wearing a realistic pregnancy belly.  Austin didn’t display much sympathy for her, and I didn’t blame him.  She was living in a beautiful house with her boyfriend on a national tv show, presumably by choice, and she locks herself into their bathroom before the first day is even over.  The poor guy had to listen to her moan about how he didn’t respect her and that he hurt her and she’s worried that she can’t be with him anymore because he did that.  And this went on for another 10 minutes, complete with multiple bleeped-out expletives and her adamant refusal to play along with the rules, which included wearing that blasted fake belly.  Dear God in Heaven, is this how all teenagers are? 

If they’re not spoiled princesses, then they’re grouchy mean girls with dirty mouths, like Alicea, another participant.  As soon as her 7-month old baby started to fuss about eating (he was teething, poor guy), she threw down the spoon and said, “Beep this, you can starve.” (Or something to that effect.  Remember, I wasn’t writing anything down at this point.)  Hey Alicea, Mom and Dad are watching.  I can’t believe little Karson’s mom waited out the whole evening before coming over and trying to give Alicea some pointers.  Had it been me, I would have said, “Watch your mouth around my child, girl, and change your attitude right now!”  But the mom was surprisingly patient and gave helpful tips.  Alicea didn’t listen.  She said she didn’t take any BEEP from anyone and from that moment on, pouted in her bed.  Her boyfriend Cory was the only one doing anything for the child for the rest of the episode.  And Alicea blames Karson’s mom for that.

I think I’ve made my point.  To be fair, there was one couple, Jordan and Sasha, who seemed to really care about one another and have good heads on their shoulders.  If you like watching teenagers get a taste of “reality” and you enjoy seeing them pout, then this show is for you.  If I wanted to hear them whine this much, I’d go back to teaching middle schoolers, so it’s safe to say I won’t be watching again.

More reviews about the show:

from Variety

from the L.A. Times

Did you catch The Baby Borrowers?  What are your thoughts on reality tv as a tool for educating teens?  Should the “lending” families be criticized for putting their unwitting kids in that situation?  Like me, were you put off by the fact that the unmarried teen couples were sleeping together in their own master bedrooms?