UnFictional
The Accidental Parent
In the first of two stories, 4-year-old Lexi takes on parenthood. Then a professional musician's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes a full-time father.
By Bob Carlson • • 28m ListenParentified
Producer Dan Gorenstein tells a story that sounds like a Grimm's fairy tale, but it's a true story of real living people. In it we meet Lexi, a girl who, at the age of four, took on the role of parent of her two and three year-old brothers after their mother and the other adults around simply didn't provide for them; sometimes even leaving the three at home alone for days at a time. Two years later, Lexi and her brothers (who she used to call "my boys") are now living with adoptive parents in a nurturing home, but the experience has had a profound effect on Lexi.
Lexi and her brothers
Mothers Day
Nick was living a globe-trotting, fun-filled life as a professional touring musician. He had a young daughter, but saw her only occasionally during brief visits between tours. When is wife is suddenly left unable to care for her, 10 year-old Molly ends up in her father's life full time. Nick's life is upended and transformed while trying to be both a father and a mother to Molly. Particularly when he's faced with the necessity to explain the facts of female puberty. Produced by Darby Maloney.
This program originally aired in February, 2011.
