2001

S1.E1 ∙ Episode #1.1

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

In our Feature Report, Planet Parent looks into the controversy surrounding Childhood Vaccines. Featuring interviews with Dr. Lee Ford Jones of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, and naturopath Richard Dodd. To immunize or not to immunize? We discuss the medical evidence, weighted strongly in favour for continuing the practice. Throughout the piece, we hear from mothers who've made very different choices and had to live with the consequences. In our Reality Check, Adrienne Gold knocks the wind out of braggart parents who can't help measuring their child's successes against your child's failure. On our Consumer Segment, expert Tina Vrlak gives her picks for the best baby strollers. Then, on our Video Diary, Part One at the Dempsey/Davies Household, Carla Dempsey and Joe Davies pick up the DV camera to record the day-to-day business of caring for newborn twins and a 3 year-old.

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S1.E2 ∙ Episode #1.2

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

In our Feature Report we examine the arguments for and against Circumcision, from the medical, religious and personal points of view. Featuring interviews with Dr. Arne Ohlsen, of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital who states the position of the Canadian Medical Association and Dr Rochelle Schwartz on the issue of pain. Doctors Aaron Jesin and Arif Bhimji debate the issue of religious versus human rights, and throughout the piece we'll hear from an expectant couple (of mixed faith) trying to make the decision for their unborn son. In our Reality Check segment, new father Louis Taylor describes the sympathetic symptoms he experienced during his wife's pregnancy and experiments with the "empathy apron" offered at some prenatal classes for men. On our Consumer Segment, Tina Vrlak shows a selection of potties and accessories designed to aid toilet training. And on our Video Diary, Part Two at the Dempsey/Davies family. We go back to Carla and Joe as they record the night shift with their newborn twins.

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S1.E3 ∙ Episode #1.3

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

In our Feature Report, we begin a three-part series on brain development. In this, the first part, we look at the science behind the theory that says the first three years are the most important time for brain development. We hear from Dr. Daune McGregor, pediatrician at the Hospital for Sick Children about the critical periods in the brain's development and from Educational Psychologist Dona Mathews about the milestones to expect as a child grows. On our Reality Check, National Post Columnist Patricia Pearson laments her inability to get her kids to sleep at the proper time. On our Consumer Segment, Tina Vrlak gives her expert advice on choosing a high chair. And on our Video Diary, Third and Final installment of the Dempsey/Davies family. Carla Dempsey and Joe Davies document the amusing and sometimes difficult times their three year old, Charlotte, is having with the arrival of her twin brothers.

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S1.E4 ∙ Episode #1.4

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

On our Feature Report, we present the second installment of our three part series on Brain Development. We look at the controversy surrounding the Zero to Three Movement which advocates that social policy and resources be focused predominantly on the first three years of a child's life. The story features interviews with Dr. Margaret McCain, Co-chair of The Early Years study and a dissenting opinion from John Bruer, Ph.D. author of "The Myth of the First Three Years". Dr. Otto Weininger, child psychologist and Pediatrician Dr. Daune McGregor address the issue of whether extra stimulation in the early years leads to even brighter kids. On our Reality Check we look at the cost and competition surrounding kids' birthday parties. On our Consumer Segment, Tina Vrlak discusses diapering choices and accessories. On our Video Diary, the beginning of a two part series on the Kirke family. Jim and Denise Kirke get behind the DV-cam to bring us a snapshot of life with 22 month old Hannah, a child living with Down Syndrome.

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S1.E5 ∙ Episode #1.5

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

On our Feature Report, the last of our three-part series on Brain Development, we learn from Child psychologist Dr. Otto Weininger and Educational psychologist Dona Mathews just what kind of stimulation a developing brain needs and question the validity of structured learning programs for pre-schoolers. On our Reality Check, Adrienne Gold, in her inimitable fashion, tells parents how to deal with well-meant, but unwanted, advice. On our Consumer Segment, Tina Vrlak shows some of the fun holders available for babies that give mom some hands -free time. And on our Video Diary, Part Two of the Kirke family. Jim and Denise Kirke get back behind the DV-cam to show how their older daughter, Sarah, copes with the extra attention that must necessarily be given to her younger sister, a Down Syndrome child.

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S1.E6 ∙ Episode #1.6

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

On our Feature Report, we hear from a young mother, an older mother and one who has young children for the second time around as they discuss the pros and cons of having children early and later in life. Obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Arthur Zaltz discusses the medical problems that can occur as women delay childbearing; author Ann Douglas looks at the social factors influencing women's choices. On our Reality Check an expectant father wrestles with his discomfort with the idea that his son might enjoy playing with dolls. On our Consumer Segment Tina Vrlak shows an array of accessories that make feeding little ones easier. Then, on our Video Diary, the first of two parts on the Martens/Samadi household. Lynne Martens and husband Abdul Samadi record the difficulties their middle daughter is having finding her place in the family since the arrival of her baby sister.

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S1.E7 ∙ Episode #1.7

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

Our Feature Report on Genetic Testing looks at the options available to expectant parents and at the difficulties involved in interpreting the test results. Clinical geneticist Dr. David Chitayat describes the types of tests available to expectant mothers and their success rate in predicting genetic damage, Bio-ethicist Dr. Mary Rowell addresses the difficulty interpreting the results. Throughout the piece we hear from parents about their personal experiences. On our Reality Check, National Post Columnist Patricia Pearson muses on the validity of couples using pets as a "test run" for the responsibilities of parenthood. Consumer Expert Tina Vrlak looks at baby baths and accessories. And on our Video Diary, Part Two of the Martens/Samedi Family. Lynne Martens records the day-to-day pleasures and stresses of a stay-at-home mom.

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S1.E8 ∙ Episode #1.8

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

On our Feature Report we meet a number of Gifted Children and learn from psychologist Dr. Ed Blacktock about what's involved in identifying a child as gifted and what parents can do to help them develop their unique gifts, while still enjoying a normal childhood. Spiro Kizas of the Royal Conservatory of Music discusses the qualities that make children exceptional, musically speaking. On our Reality Check we hear from a single mother and her mixed feelings about dating again. On our Consumer Segment, Tina Vrlak looks at modern aids for breastfeeding mothers. Then, on our Video Diary, the beginning of a three part series at the Jacobs/Joseph family as Starr Jacobs and Clifton Joseph record the hits and misses in toilet training their 2 year old.

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S1.E9 ∙ Episode #1.9

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

On our Feature Report, we look at the controversy surrounding Co-Sleeping with your young children. The story includes interviews with Dr. Jack Newman, breastfeeding consultant, Dr. Michael Lester, who warns of the potential danger of suffocation, and author Bonnie Reichert, who advocates it for the intimacy and convenience. On our Reality Check, we discover some of the ingenious methods parents have come up with to soothe a crying baby. On our Consumer Segment, expert Tina Vrlak points out key features to look for when buying a car seat. We'll see part two of the Joseph/Jacobs family on the Video Diary. Parents Starr Jacobs and Clifton Joseph share the ups and downs of coping with the "terrible twos".

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S1.E10 ∙ Episode #1.10

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

On our Feature Report, we look at today's Child-Centred Parenting practices in the context of historical and societal attitudes to children. We hear from authors Beth Thompson and Anne Sutherland, as well as anthropologist Meredith Small whose arguments are filtered through the day-to-day experience of the Murphy family. On our Reality Check we tackle the great soother debate - Are soothers the lazy way out, a simple solution for a fussy child? Consumer expert Tina Vrlak looks at baby monitors that let parents check up on baby, both in-utero and after. On our Video Diary, in the last of the three part series on the Jacobs/Joseph household, parents Starr Jacobs and Clifton Joseph turn the camera on themselves as they ponder the changes in their relationship after becoming parents.

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S1.E11 ∙ Episode #1.11

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

On our Feature Report we examine the trend to start children on computers at increasingly younger ages. We talk to Child psychiatrist Dr. Arlette Lefebvre and author Alison Armstrong as well as parents on both sides of the issue to determine the best age for children to start using computers. On our Reality Check, TV personality and urban Dad Kevin Brauch searches for opportunities to engage in the type of father/son bonding that was common when boys worked alongside their fathers. On our Consumer Segment, expert Tina Vrlak looks at bedding options for newborns and toddlers. On our Video Diary, an emotional three-parter on adoption. Ron and Elaine Nugent document their trip to Vietnam to meet the twins they have arranged to adopt.

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S1.E12 ∙ Episode #1.12

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

Our Feature Report looks at the importance of touch between parents and their children, and the inhibition and self-censoring that arises out of the fear that good touch can be misconstrued as inappropriate. Child psychologist Dr. Otto Weininger explains children's need for touch as part of healthy development and defines the difference between good and bad touching. On our Reality Check, child expert Barbara Colorosa advises parents on how to deal with temper tantrums that leave parents feeling inadequate and guilt-ridden. On our Consumer Segment we look at baby food gear. And on our Video Diary, Part Two of the Nugent Family. Adoptive parents Ron and Elaine Nugent get to know their babies as they make arrangements to bring them home from Vietnam.

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S1.E13 ∙ Episode #1.13

Sun, Sep 30, 2001

Our Feature Report examines the unique and ambiguous relationships between nannies and their employers to find out where the abuses lie and what makes a good relationship. Psychotherapist Janet Morrison addresses the nuances in this relationship, as parents and nannies weigh in on what makes a good working relationship. On our Reality Check, a tongue-in-cheek lament for the "shallow" lives led by friends now absorbed by the "joys and delights" of parenthood. On our Consumer Segment, Baby-proofing expert Yehudah Franken curtails the ground-level explorations of baby, Declan Premi. And on our Video Diary, Part Three of the Nugent Family. Ron and Elaine Nugent introduce Tommy and Taylor, newly adopted from Vietnam, to big sister Meghan, their new grandparents and to the family dog, Zoe.

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