Ep 4. The Cooke Family - Return

The beloved Supernanny, Jo Frost, returns for the fourth season of UK's hit reality TV show. In episode four, we catch up with the Cooke family who Jo previously helped to implement changes in their household in season two. With Joe now 10 and looking after his autistic brother Jack, plus a new baby in the family, the Cookes feel like they need Jo's guidance once again.

As the episode begins, we see Jo arriving at the Cooke household where she is greeted warmly by the family. She starts by taking a tour of the house, taking notice of the changes that have occurred since her last visit. It is evident from her observations that the family is feeling overwhelmed by the current situation.

Jo then sits down with the parents, Kim and Rob, to discuss their concerns about their children. They feel like Joe is taking on too much responsibility with Jack and not enough time is being spent with the baby. They are also concerned about Joe's schoolwork and his lack of socializing with kids his own age.

To get a more realistic picture of the family's routines, Jo observes them through the day. She observes Joe in a typical day where he gets Jack up in the morning, prepares his breakfast and gets him ready for school. She then watches as Joe manages to make his way to school with Jack and then cares for him throughout the day before returning home to help with dinner and housework.

Jo tries to sit with Joe and discusses his perspective regarding his daily chores regarding Jack. He admits that he is feeling overwhelmed and tired, yet he loves his brother and wants to help him as much as he can. Jo then speaks to Jack's special needs teacher who confirms that Joe is doing an amazing job, but she feels Jack needs more one-on-one attention from his parents.

In the same day, Jo observes Kim, the mom, taking care of the new baby as she gets Joe and Jack ready for bed. Jo notices that Kim is always feeding the baby and is not getting enough rest. Kim tells Jo that she feels guilty as she wants to spend time with the elder boys as well. As a result, Jo suggests that the whole family works together to ensure that everyone, including Kim, gets the care they need.

Jo talks to Rob, the dad, about his responsibilities at home. With a demanding job and commute, Rob finds it hard to find time for the family. Jo suggests that he spends quality time with each of his kids, even if it’s only a few minutes every day.

The next day, Jo makes a plan to ensure that the family has a better-worked balance. She introduces a reward system that will recognize the whole family's effort in helping each other. The system will encourage the family to spend quality time with each other while also gaining rewards for the tasks done. Jo also helps Joe have more time for his social life while also giving Jack the one-on-one attention he needs, through play dates from the neighborhood and once a week special days for each child.

Jo's work with the family is transformational, and by the end of the episode, we see a more balanced household where everyone is playing their role. The kids now get the attention they need, and Jo leaves the Cooke family happy to report they are on the right path.

Supernanny UK season four, episode four, is an ideal watch for British parents and families who want to see how Jo helps them with realistic solutions to not only maintain a sane family lifestyle but also to transform the entire family’s life for the long haul.