Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
Whose Daughter is She?

Reviewer:
Leah McIntyre

Genre:
Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested Age Range:
Adults Only

Age Range Explained:
This would be a powerful movie for children and adolescents with abandonment issues and guided use with counseling would be appropriate; otherwise it would be helpful with adults experiencing similar issues related to their family of origin.

Subject Headings:
Depression, Divorce, Female lifespan development, Family dynamics, Grief & loss, Relationships

Review:
Ten years ago the mother of two young children left her family. Her husband remarried and the children accepted the stepmother. After seven happy years as a family, the father of these children died, leaving the stepmother to care for the two children. Their lives are busy with the normal activities of a single mom with young children. Suddenly the birth mother returns, goes to the school to see the children, and tells them she is their real mom. The children ran away from her. The step mother, terrified about losing her children, tries every way she can think of to prevent the birth mother from seeing them. After shared confusion, fear, and misunderstandings, the step mother and birth mother begin to work together.

Watching this movie as a counselor made me think about the ways counseling might have helped this family redirect their fear and pain into growth. A counselor may have mitigated the pain by helping the two women understand each other. Both mothers may have realized earlier that they must compromise for the well being of the children. I envision this movie being one of many that could be used in bibliotherapy for either individual or group counseling for blended families, families going through a separation, remarriage, or other absence and return of a parent. This type of video or book also could be helpful for counseling students in gaining a better understanding of the different roles individuals take on in fractured or blended families.