The Secret Life of.....

[Mishappening]

....I am delighted to read Michael Rosen's piece in the new Radio Times slating these dreadful programmes that exploit and manipulate children.

I stopped watching after the episode in the first series when all the children were given a present that looked identical - they all had toys, but one had something really mundane like a clothes peg - and, guess what?, he cried. I have not watched it since but am told it is no better.

What can the parents and nursery workers be thinking of to allow this? And shame on Channel 4.

I've never seen this - and after your post I never will. Giving one child a clothes peg and others attractive toys is just cruel.

I am sure no feelings were hurt in the making of the programme

I didn't see the clothes peg episode. I've watched the last two series, and found it fascinating. There are one or two uncomfortable moments, I agree. But the children are in such a lovely environment and have the chance to play so freely. Wish first term at primary school could be so carefree.

Is this the Secret Life of 5 year Olds? My DC are fascinated, I thought the quiz was pretty much rigged in the team that won't behaviour. Ralphie is a little gem, as is Jack and his new wife, I'm really bad with names.

Slartybartfast - what makes you so sure that no feelings were hurt? The evidence is to the contrary. I hate to see children manipulated.

Do you have a link OP?

I've stopped watching since the domino fiasco a few weeks ago, mainly because of the constant attention to girlfriends and boyfriends.

I remember that gift episode. That was cruel. Same with the prizes given for teams winning competitions. What do they expect 4 and 5 year olds to do? In the interest of explaining psychology in this age group, the poor kids are set up to fail. We would never purposely make a child feel so bad in a school setting.

I've just been reading the Michael Rosen piece. I agree with him.

www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2017-11-28/secret-life-of-five-year-olds-channel-4-unethical/

Thanks for the link babyboomers.
I agree with him too.

I am very glad that it is not just Michael Rosen and I - I was beginning to despair for our children.

Children deserve respect and sensitivity - even when they are being disciplined. This sort of exploitation is facile and cruel.