Since there seems to be no shortage in the world of parents with no clue how to discipline their kids, Lifetime has just launched a new show in the same vein called “America’s Supernanny” which stars Deborah Tillman, a Virginia native with a master’s degree in child development and the charisma and attitude necessary to help some clueless moms and dads lay down the law.
In each episode, Tillman visits the homes of American parents whose kids have developed some pretty severe “acting out” behaviors, such as the little guy in the season opener who kicks, hits, bites and spits at his mommy and daddy (yes, he does).
The shows producers say they cast Tillman in the role because they were impressed by her firm, but loving child development philosophy, her charisma, and her natural ability to connect and work with families that have relationship problems.
Yes, Tillman is definitely “firm” with her clients, but viewers looking for a “Madea” type of no-nonsense attitude adjuster will be disappointed. But, that’s not to say this seasoned mother and wife doesn’t have the skills, attitude and talent to help whip (figure of speech, people) these little hell-raisers in to shape.
Lifetime conducted a nationwide talent search to find the best American nanny for the show, and Tillman was chosen over 400 others auditioning for the role.
The shows website reveals that Tillman became a childcare expert when she could not find quality care for own son:
… frustrated after seven horrific child care provider experiences with her infant son … [she] ultimately took matters into her own hands by quitting her job as an accountant to start a home-based school where she could provide quality day care and instruction to her son and other children. An immediate hit among other families in the community, Tillman soon expanded her business into a 5,600 square foot space with a staff of six serving 45 children. Shortly after that, her center amassed a six-month waiting list and in 1998, she opened a second site to accommodate more than 100 students and 16 full-time staff. Today, Tillman operates three centers in Virginia.
To view episodes of America’s Supernanny and to find show times and listings, check out mylifetime.com.
