Does 'Supernanny' know best?

For Jen and Bryce Bullard, learning a new parenting style started with a trip to Target. It was there that a scout for the reality show "Supernanny" noticed their sons acting up and invited the Colorado family to participate in the new TV series, which debuted in January.

Allowing a British nanny - and millions of Americans - into their home for a parenting makeover was a major step for the Bullards, who had not confided in many people about the discipline issues they were having with their sons, ages 6 and 2.

"Before, I was so embarrassed to talk to anybody about the problems," Mrs. Bullard says in a phone interview. "You sit at home and you think ... 'My children are ... so crazy.' But really, other parents are going through it, too."

Talking with others about discipline problems is becoming easier for parents, thanks to shows such as "Supernanny" and "Nanny 911," as well as the Internet - where moms and dads use discussion boards and personalized web logs, or blogs, to document their experiences raising kids. Even people who don't have children are suggesting in online forums and newspapers that today's parents could use some pointers on how to keep their kids in check.

Parents are often aware that they need help figuring out how to discipline their children - even without the judging eyes of mallgoers. The trouble is, they don't always know where to turn for assistance, or whether it's too late to change the habits of their households.

What the prime-time TV shows are offering, say some experts, is a way for people to see that it's never too late.

"It really is getting out there an awareness that you can learn parenting skills," says Donna Nelson, director of the Parenting Center at Children's Hospital in New Orleans and chairman of the National Parenting Education Network. "It's really making everybody talk about this - that you can change how you're parenting, and can learn communication skills and discipline skills that make a difference in your life and your kid's life."

A host of influences affect parents' approach to discipline - from a desire to avoid techniques their own parents used, such as spanking, to a reluctance to dole out punishment during the precious time away from work they have to spend with their offspring. Today's parents, in common with many in the past, also have gained a reputation as a generation that would rather be friends with their children than disciplinarians.

"It's not fun to discipline a child," says Miriam Arond, editor in chief of Child magazine. "This is a group of parents that has really waited to have their kids oftentimes ... and they're really looking forward to this as the best, wonderful time in their life. And this is not the fun part."

In 2002, Child surveyed several thousand parentsabout discipline, and 70 percent said parents today let their kids get away with too much. Ninety-one percent said discipline is less strict now than when they were growing up.

Parents working hard outside the home - or those dealing with kids each day at home - may be too tired to fight discipline battles, suggests Ms. Arond. "Setting limits is actually a pretty demanding job, because you have to repeat yourself."

It's important for people to be willing to ask for help when they need it, says "Supernanny" Jo Frost in a phone interview.

"Don't be too proud, don't play martyr and supermom," says Ms. Frost, author of the recent book "Supernanny: How to Get the Best From Your Children." "It's OK to say, 'You know what, this isn't working for me. I'm not happy with this, I want to change it.' "

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