When the Bough Breaks

Identifying Behavioral Problems Early

Produced by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
A presentation of the Independent Television Service {i}tvs; with additional support from Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media, Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission, St. Louis, Roblee Foundation, and others.

Current theory holds that if a child does not properly attach itself to a caregiver in the first three years, the implications for later life are profound. This can show up in the form of overly aggressive behavior, serious learning problems, and delinquency.

The film crew followed three mothers and their problem children, ages ten months to three years. All represent middle class, low risk, intact families. The film traces them through three months of therapy at the C.M. Hincks Treatment Centre in Toronto.

Two of the children have never slept through the entire night, and one child has a serious eating disorder. She holds food in her mouth for up to three hours, refusing to swallow. The families of these children are pushed to the edge of despair in trying to manage them.

As in The Trouble With Evan, cameras were placed in the homes of the families and tapes of therapy sessions were used to observe the behavior of the children and their interaction with their parents. It becomes clear that children, even before they can speak, give out signals of disturbance. If there is not proper intervention, the entire family can be thrown into turmoil.

72 min. Video or DVD. Sale $195. Video rental $75.