OETA's "Stateline" monthly documentary series examines parenting with a candid look at nontraditional families.
Five families gave OETA producers and reporters virtual around-the- clock access to their lives. "It was a challenge to find people who would let us into their lives," executive producer Bill Perry said.
"Instructions Not Included," reported by Susan Miller and Cam Edwards and produced by Charles Newcomb, will debut at 7 tonight with repeats at 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Sunday.
The stories share a common theme: parents who love their children and are willing to make personal sacrifices for their children's well-being.
"I think a good parent loves their kids and loves being with their kids," said Brian Ahearn, who decided to homeschool his three children from his home outside of Stillwater to better accommodate their hectic lifestyle. His wife, Tina, handles the schooling and, as a black belt, also helps instruct them at their tae kwon do class.
Homeschooling is becoming a more popular educational option, involving about 5 percent of Oklahoma children.
Grandparents raising children also is becoming more prevalent. Timothy Brewer raises two grandsons at his north Oklahoma City home.
Megan Dlugokinski began working out of her home before her first child was born. Now with three children under 5, she heads Oklahoma Bizymoms, a support group for work-at- home moms. Dlugokinski said the Internet is making working at home a more viable option.
Leon Richards is a stay-at-home dad, taking daily care of his 3-year- old daughter on his farm near Hardesty in the Panhandle. He also has two stepdaughters who attend school in Hardesty, where his wife, Beverly, is a teacher.
Unmarried couple Herwanna Martin and Marvin Jones raise their 2-year-old daughter at their apartment in Moore. Jones is working toward a computer programming degree.