Strict Suzanne who believes in discipline changes places with laidback Jo who likes to give her kids a free rein

In Jo’s house, the children rule the roost. There are no strict bedtimes, they can eat what they like and watch what they like. Though she believes in giving them a free rein, she wonders whether she’s taken it too far. Jo is so overworked at home that she’d like to spend seven days a week in the relative peace of her flower shop. Her husband Dave should be a house-husband, but he's not exactly house-proud. And everyone in the house is so fussy about food that Jo often has to cook separate meals when she gets home.

Suzanne’s house couldn’t be more different. She believes that children are children and adults are in charge. Her three children are expected to pull their weight both at home and at the family sandwich shop. Will Dave stand by and see his children brought to heel, or will he defend their liberty? And what happens when Jo breaks the rules and takes the kids off for an impromptu trip to the bowling alley? Will it give Mark the excuse he needs to disobey the rules she lays down in her second week? And will he be able to regain the control of the children that he believes in so strongly?

Jo's household philosophy
'Treats are fine - we don’t have lots of firm rules.'

Suzanne's household philosophy
'When the children were little I trained them to respond to a whistle.'

Jo's rules
'For the kids there will no longer be anymore chores.'

Suzanne's rules
'I have set a timetable and it is going to be kept.'

Jo's Q&A
'Me and Dave work as a team more than before.'

Suzanne's Q&A
'The experience has really made me appreciate my family more.'