THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PARENTING

10 September, 2006 by The_Boss

ITV1 Monday 11th September 2006 10:00pm to 10:30pm

In an age dominated by many self-styled parenting “experts”, can bringing up a child really be that formulaic and simple…?

George Hartley (Peter Davison), Professor of Child Psychology at London University, best-selling author of ‘Hey Mum & Dad, Get Your Act Together’ and LBC resident parenting guru – finds his theories put to the test, when his wife Phoebe (Josie Lawrence) takes a job based in Paris.

George has to hold the fort and look after his 7-year-old son Jamie (Noah Hedges), for the very first time.

George is relishing the task - a golden opportunity to put into practice what he’s been preaching all these years: his beliefs that every child is born an infinite well of reason, creativity and positive spiritual energy, and that it’s every parent’s duty to water this precious flower with unconditional love and patience.

But even with the (dubious) assistance of live-in New Zealand au-pair Korey (Katie Lyons) and his PA Karen (Niky Wardley), George finds that his parenting skills and theories are well and truly put to the test.


THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PARENTING is a brand new 5x30 minute comedy series written by Paul Smith, produced by Margot Gavan Duffy and directed by Mandie Fletcher.

Episode 1

George Hartley, Professor of Child Psychology at London University, and his wife Phoebe are split over their son Jamie’s education. George believes that the state primary school he goes to is fine whereas Phoebe is determined to get him into the prestigious St Zachary’s. So determined in fact, that she is willing to beg, lie….and even go to church.

In an effort to support the “cultural melting pot” that is Jamie’s school George offers to give his son’s class a talk on psychology. Jamie, co-incidentally, is struck down with illness and unable to attend what he fears will be the most embarrassing school day of his life.

When George ends up having to teach the class, his years of theoretical experience are tested to the limit as he tackles violence, prejudice and interfering parents. At least Jamie’s being well looked after, or would be if the au pair hadn’t left him home alone…