American Academy Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry Calls NBC To Pull Baby Borrowers

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 03 Jul 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) calls NBC to pull its television show, "The Baby Borrowers." The reality show separates babies and toddlers from their parents and places them with strangers for three days.

Separating babies and toddlers from their parents for extended periods of time can lead children to feel distress and anxiety. After prolonged separation, a child can feel distrust for his or her primary caregiver. Separation can damage a healthy attachment and a child's sense of safety.

"A child's sense of security should not be gambled with," said AACAP President Robert Hendren, D.O.

In addition, the AACAP is concerned that the television show communicates to millions of viewers that "baby borrowing" is acceptable parenting practice and will prompt imitation.

"Should this practice be emulated without the benefit of the observing camera, it is important to note that teenagers may be more likely than adult strangers to abuse or neglect infants and toddlers," said Anne Glowinski, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist and member of AACAP's Infancy and Preschool Committee.

NBC has promoted "Baby Borrowers" as a social experiment that educates teenagers about the responsibilities of parenting. "A more constructive approach would have had the teenagers shadow a family of a toddler or baby, keeping parents close," said President Hendren.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a medical association representing 8,000 child and adolescent psychiatrists who promote mentally healthy children, adolescents, and families.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry