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'Supernanny' Brings Expertise To Area

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By WALT BELCHER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2007

TAMPA - Nanny Jo Frost has seen it all, from screaming out-of-control brats to screaming out-of-control parents. But the star of 'Supernanny' remains passionate about her mission to help families.

'I am never complacent,' she said in a telephone interview Friday from Wesley Chapel, where she is helping yet another family. 'I'm in the middle of it, and I have another week to go here.'

Neither Frost nor ABC would disclose the name of the Wesley Chapel family. The airdate for the program has not been set. 'Supernanny' is on hiatus, but production is under way on 22 new episodes of the reality series.

Frost said the local family presents different challenges for her.

'This marriage has a lot of strain, and it's very stressful,' she said. 'The impact of the marriage stress is impacting the children's behavior, and I am focused a lot on the parents. I am dealing with them on an adult level and standing tall in the children's corner.'

Frost, 37, has nearly 20 years of child care experience. She became an overnight star in England when the British version of 'Supernanny' debuted in 2004.

The American version debuted in 2005. She continues to star in both series. 'I have a never-ending schedule. I literally do live out of a suitcase,' she said.

Frost, who is single and has no children, is known for firm, consistent and nonviolent discipline of children. Most often on her series, the problem is the parenting, not the children.

She is the author of two best-selling books, 'Supernanny: How to Get the Best From Your Children' and 'Ask Supernanny.' A third book, 'Jo Frost's Confident Baby Care,' has been published in the United Kingdom and will be available in the United States in 2008.

There are also a line of 'Supernanny' merchandise, a 'Supernanny' magazine, a Web site and a parenting consultant business for desperate mothers.

Frost said that in making the American episodes, she has been in 35 states and worked with more than 40 families.

'But I am able to reach 10 million or 12 million people through each episode, and that is the power of television,' she said. 'I think I am able to help so many more families who watch.'

She said there is a need for nanny intervention because parents sometimes lose their way in child rearing. She has said that the goal is to modify children's behavior, not control their emotions.

Parents on 'Supernanny' often have problems with maintaining discipline. There are problems when parents are too strict and problems when there are no boundaries, she said.

She said she has heard from some of the families that have been on the series, and they have succeeded in following her advice.

'There was a couple that basically wanted a divorce, then I went in, and now they are happily married,' she said. 'But ultimately, at the end of the day, all I have to give is advice.'

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654 or wbelcher @tampatrib.com.

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