PARENTS AND TEENS: WELCOME TO MY WORLD

PROGRAMME 10: CHARLY AND JAN

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00:00 – 05:12 Monday

Their breakfasts say it all. While Jan juices some organic veg, Charly has a quick fag with her mates. Eighteen months ago, when Jan was suddenly diagnosed with cancer, Charly was too shocked to react, and she clammed up completely. Now Jan's had some good news. Her tests are clear and the family is having a meal to celebrate. Charly and Jan have always had a difficult relationship. Friends are Charly's lifeline, and she spends as many nights out with them as she can.

05:13 – 10:14 Tuesday

Charly thinks her anger stems from her childhood, when Jan was running her own company, and didn't have much time for her. Jan isn't working now, and she's realised how much Charly needs to have her around. She's helping Charly learn to drive, and they interact well together in the car.

When Jan was 26 she lost her own mother to cancer and secretly she and Charly have both been afraid that Jan might die as well. Charly's not doing well at college, and Jan tries to help her, but she has to do it tactfully because Charly's so touchy. Charly does appreciate what her mum does for her, but she seldom shows it.

10:15 – 13:09 Wednesday

Both Jan and Charly have felt very isolated through Jan's illness. Charly escaped from her feelings by going out constantly and drinking too much. She couldn't talk to Jan because she hated the idea that they'd both get upset.

13:10 – 16: 43 Thursday

Jan loves her organic diet, but Charly can't stand the stuff and would rather have a pizza. While Jan is at a holistic health convention, Charly's out partying again. It's hard for her, being the only child left at home, and she feels she's had to bear the brunt of her mum's illness.

16:44 – 19:20 Friday

It's no joke for Charly, street dancing when she's nursing a raging hangover. Meanwhile, Jan is giving a presentation to 100 people about her journey through cancer, and she's revealing thoughts and feelings she's never been able to share with Charly.

19:21 – 20:24 Saturday

It's a huge relief for the family now that Jan's clear of cancer, and they're all looking forward to the future.

20:25 – 25:00 Sunday

The film opens Jan and Charly's eyes to the way they've both been feeling, and afterwards they talk honestly for the first time. They're both sad that, by trying so hard to protect each other, they've ended up distanced. But now it's all out in the open, they'll find it easier to talk in future, and they're really proud of each other.