A research-based BYU reality show invites viewers into the homes of families of all kinds and watch them deal with a variety of issues: marriage, toddlers, teens, blended families, time, money and more.
“Real Families, Real Answers” is sponsored by Brigham Young University’s School of Family Life and the College of Family, Home and Social Sciences. The series, which will air on BYU Television and KBYU-TV, is organized around topics studied by scholars from BYU and other universities, including the University of North Carolina, University of Minnesota and the University of California-Davis.
The parenting segment alone draws insights from nine published studies conducted by researchers at BYU, which has the largest faculty of family scholars in the country.
“The idea is to weave principles for success with the stories of real families and the way they actually live and work,” said Steve Duncan, a professor in BYU’s School of Family Life and the director of content development.
Unlike popular shows “Dr. Phil” and “Supernanny,” “Real Families” doesn’t feature an expert who intervenes to change the family dynamic. The research-based principles for success are presented to viewers separately, while the families being followed in each episode work through challenges independently and offer their own ideas about what works.
“The families aren’t perfect and what viewers will ultimately see is very real,” Duncan said.
