TV Review: Life with Derek
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know boys talk about the female anatomy.
Both girls and boys develop and talk about crushes on each
other. This is normal adolescent behavior but you may want to
consider if your tween is ready for this kind of thing before
they tune in.
- Families can talk about the challenges of the blended family. How common is this type of family and do the members of this one act in a realistic way? Parents and kids could also talk about birth order and how that affects family relationships.
A newly married couple moves in together with children from previous marriage. Sound familiar? This time around the show focuses on the power struggle of the two oldest siblings, Casey (Ashley Leggat) and Derek (Michael Seater). Both 15 years old, these teens are accustomed to being the top dogs in their households and controlling their younger sibs. But who's the alpha between the two of them? Each episode plays on this struggle whether it's in the home, school, or community.
Sibling issues are bound to touch a nerve with tween and teen viewers who experience sibling wars in their own households. Casey is smart, idealistic, and a budding feminist who demands to be treated equally. Derek gets under her skin with his posters of girls in bathing suits on his bedroom walls, love of video games like "Babe Raider," and sugary sweet patronizing manner with girls.
LIFE WITH DEREK is a show that kids will relate to and find funny. But be prepared for them observing teen behavior including talk about attractions to the anatomy of the opposite sex and girls wearing skimpy outfits to impress boys. Bottom line: This is mostly fine, but you may want to preview before you share with your kids under age 10.
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