escape down under.

[frodsham]

In the morning programme "Escape down under" has anyone noticed how many kids seem to dictate to their parents if they shoul emigrate or not. If Sophie, Josh or whoever, think they will miss their friends back home, the move is a no no! I remember when I was a child moving a considerable distance from home and I was never consulted by my parents on the issue. I still have never seen a counsellor re this and certainly dont feel I was mentally abused because of it. I know it's only a TV programme but I suspect that kids are now more domineering than they have ever been. There is still a place in our society for the old adage " children should be seen and not heard"

[bednobs]

perhaps it is a convienient excuse for the parents who also dont want to move? certainly if a tv programme had flown me ut there and then i decided i didnt want their help after all, i would be embarrassed

[Ethel]

Family life seems very different to when I was a child. We all ate the same thing at the same time, together, and if you didn't like it that was just too bad. Mother was not a waitress nor was she running a caf�.

Bedrooms were for sleeping in and not much else, so children spent their free time at home with the parents. We went were we were taken, and we behaved, or else!

Children had to fit in with the parents, not the other way round.

[barney1966]

In previous series of Wanted Down Under the families seemed more committed to moving and quite a few of them did. This time they seem more interested in being on telly, getting a trip out to Oz and I'm not sure if any of them have made the move yet.

Most of them seem to be totally unrealistic regards getting a well-paid job, buying a property and being mortgage free and having loads of leisure time,

Also agree about the way the parents take so much notice of what the kids want in this programme and so many other programmes about moving house, etc. When I was a kid I can't remember ever being consulted on anything even choosing what to eat, etc., my parents made all the decisions.

[frodsham]

thanks ethel & barney1966. It's nice to know that someone agrees.Perhaps if kids had less of a say in society, regarding adult issues, we would not have as much of a
"I want it now society"

[LoftyLottie]

I don't actually think the parents are taking any notice of their kids wishes. It's all just set up for the TV programme. At the end of the day the parents don't go for their own reasons.

No harm done, the kids are included in the programme and think they have some say in it when really they don't.

I don't think there are any more parents around these days that would take any notice of the children want when it comes to moving home.

I think what parents do do nowadays is include their children is discussions about family issues, like moving, debt, etc. etc. And that is a good thing. Children need to learn the ups and downs of adult life.

When I was a child problems were not discussed in front of the children and children were less likely to understand important issues. Children are much more aware these days.

[terambulan]

As a soldier's child my education/friendships were disrupted globally - am glad of the variety & experience.

If parents are dim enuf to miss opportunities for childrens emotions then stay in 2up 2down with back-yard! Plenty more 'pioneers' to fill in for them!

[LoftyLottie]

I am not saying children should make the decisions, just that they should be included in discussions. They can come up with some good ideas you know - it's worth listening to your child!!

[LoftyLottie]

and,

Some of the children on this programme are about 2 years old and still are asked whether they want to move, etc. You can't honestly say that this is for real. It's just programme making to make it more entertaining.