The TV reviewers hated it. See, for example, Tom Sutcliffe in The Independent and John Crace in The Guardian. Lots of the viewers hated it, judging by last night's comments on Twitter. I hated it.
But I was taught always to focus on the positives - so let's think for a minute about what we can learn from the first episode of Channel 4's Daddy Daycare....
Lesson 1. Even though they're paid handsomely for what they do, TV production staff and commissioning editors are just as likely to get things wrong as bankers, politicians or anyone else. Daddy Daycare is not Love Productions' finest hour, and they probably know it.
Lesson 2. Although the broadcast media has the potential to shape and give voice to changes in our culture, most of the time it's deeply reactionary - which means we'd do well to spend a bit less time glued to its every pronouncement.
Lesson 3. If you're a father and are ever asked to feature in a TV documentary, think long and hard before you agree to it. You probably won't, as the researcher claims, be helping change people's perceptions of fathers, or establishing an exciting new narrative on fatherhood. Unless you're really convinced about the production team and what it's up to, remember Daddy Daycare, say 'no thanks' and go back to being the best dad you can be.
So you see, it wasn't so bad after all. The modernising of family life...mums' and dads' discovery of new and inspiring ways to share in the bringing up of happy children...it's all happening. Just not on Channel 4 from 9-10pm for the next three weeks.
But I was taught always to focus on the positives - so let's think for a minute about what we can learn from the first episode of Channel 4's Daddy Daycare....
Lesson 1. Even though they're paid handsomely for what they do, TV production staff and commissioning editors are just as likely to get things wrong as bankers, politicians or anyone else. Daddy Daycare is not Love Productions' finest hour, and they probably know it.
Lesson 2. Although the broadcast media has the potential to shape and give voice to changes in our culture, most of the time it's deeply reactionary - which means we'd do well to spend a bit less time glued to its every pronouncement.
Lesson 3. If you're a father and are ever asked to feature in a TV documentary, think long and hard before you agree to it. You probably won't, as the researcher claims, be helping change people's perceptions of fathers, or establishing an exciting new narrative on fatherhood. Unless you're really convinced about the production team and what it's up to, remember Daddy Daycare, say 'no thanks' and go back to being the best dad you can be.
So you see, it wasn't so bad after all. The modernising of family life...mums' and dads' discovery of new and inspiring ways to share in the bringing up of happy children...it's all happening. Just not on Channel 4 from 9-10pm for the next three weeks.
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