The Carlomusto Family

Joe and Cheryl have two young children -- Justin, age 3, and Tyler, age 1.  Justin is strong-willed and just laughs at his parents when they ask him to do something. He also refuses to eat at the table with his family (Cheryl often resorts to chasing him around the kitchen with a fork) and will not sit in his car seat.  Justin also refuses to give up his pacifier, and when mom and dad do manage to take it away, he won’t stop asking for it.  As a stay-at-home mom, Cheryl finds it difficult to be consistent with the boys. She feels she always has to be the “bad guy,” while Joe is away all day at work.  She also thinks that dad is too opinionated. She says that Joe was not supportive enough when she was going through postpartum depression (which she suffered after having Tyler), and always thinks he can do everything better than her.

Next > Read Cheryl's thoughts on her time spent in the house.

The Inniss Family

Renee is a dedicated single mother to Jagger, age 2. Renee recently made the switch from career mom to stay-at-home mom.  This quality time together has allowed them to share many happy moments,  but it has also brought forth major challenges. The major issue at hand is Jagger’s social behavior.  He is an intelligent, charismatic toddler with a penchant for biting, kicking and hitting.  Sometimes he acts out for no apparent reason.   Renee is exhausted. After trying many child activities and behavioral exercises, and reading countless parenting books, she still can't seem to get a handle on Jagger's behavior.   A woman accustomed to greeting challenges head on, Renee is filled with self-doubt about how to handle her son. With school around the corner and her career on hold, Renee needs solid answers and to see positive results in Jagger's disposition.

Next > Read Renee's thoughts on her time spent in the house.

The Miranda Family

Married for almost four years, Jessica and Rich are parents to Dante and Gia, who are about to turn 2 years old.  Rich works in investment banking and commutes one hour each way and Jessica is a stay-at-home mom.  Now that the twins have hit their terrible twos, Jessica is on the brink of depression.  The kids cry to be picked up constantly and don’t listen.  Dante hits and tackles Gia and he even hits his mom when she tries to correct him. Gia has major separation anxiety and follows Jessica wherever she goes.  Meal times are a big challenge, too -- both children are still drinking from a bottle and will only eat certain foods. They also throw food. With both parents exhausted, the stresses are taking a toll on their relationship. Jessica and Rich think their fighting fuels the twins’ negative behavior.  Every night at bedtime, Dante and Gia cry so much that Jessica has taken to lying on the floor next to their cribs until they are asleep.

Next > Read Jessica's thoughts on her time spent in the house.

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