It might be Jo Frost's British accent or tip-of-the-nose specs that have helped the "Supernanny" put dozens of kids in their place and put frazzled parents back in control. Or maybe she does have some real-deal parenting chops. (She did go up against this kid after all, and schooled Holly Robinson Peete on discipline without spanking.) "Suppernanny" fans can decide for themselves when Frost's competition steps on the scene next month in Lifetime's version of the ABC show, called "America's Supernanny."
The new governess, Deborah Tillman, a Virginia-based wife, mother and author won't be toting any Mary Poppins-like props as far as we can tell. What she does bring, however, is a lengthy resume of early childhood education, working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school students.
Tillmans experience dates back 19 years to when she quit her job as an accountant to start a home-based school where she could provide quality daycare and instruction to her son and other children. The move came after a series of frustrating childcare experiences, according to a statement from Lifetime. "An immediate hit among other families in the community, Tillman soon expanded her business into a 5,600 square foot space with a staff of six serving 45 children," the network says. Tillmans center had a six-month waiting list shortly thereafter and in 1998 she opened a second site to accommodate more than 100 students and 16 full-time staff.
Tillman now operates three centers in Virginia and authored a book called Stepping Out on Faith, a guide to opening a quality child care center. She also beat out 400 other candidates for the Lifetime spot.
"I feel blessed and privileged that I have been chosen to do exactly what I was put on earth to do," Tillman said according to People magazine, "and that is to help children and families come together, get it together and stay together."