When the Bough Breaks

Canadian producer Neil Docherty explores the struggles of parenthood in a film devoted to what happens in the first years of life. It posits the theory--based on widespread, ongoing research--that bonding is a primary force in our life, and that the formation of secure attachments provides a template for other relationships and enables one to explore the world with confidence. To illustrate the theory, this Frontline episode introduces three families whose infant children have sleeping and eating behaviors that are disruptive to family harmony. We follow their progress through a course of therapy lasting only a matter of weeks. During this time the parent interacts with the child in a play setting and learns to "wait, watch and wonder" (i.e. to discern a child's needs through clues in play behavior). The insights derived enable the parent to make changes which result in dramatic improvements. In fact, the program points out that with as little as six hours instruction, even parents from deprived backgrounds can take steps that lead to more secure attachment. In turn, these attachments have been found to produce higher academic achievement and social integrity later on. When the Bough Breaks underscores the point that an investment early on can benefit society by producing better citizens. Recommended for most collections. (J. Reed)