0:00:05 > 0:00:08My name is Tracy Beaker and these are my survival files.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Your essential guide to the ups and downs of growing up.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- Tracy?- Tracy!
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Life in the Dumping Ground has taught me a lot about stuff.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Tracy Beaker!
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Scary stuff.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22SCREAMS
0:00:22 > 0:00:25Complicated stuff.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Stuff that can make you want to scream.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31If you can cope with the stuff that goes down in this place,
0:00:31 > 0:00:33you can cope with pretty much anything.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35I've spent most of my life here.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38First when I was a kid and now it's where I work.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42I've learnt a lot about friends,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44about enemies,
0:00:47 > 0:00:49about what life can throw at you.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It's not always been pretty.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58But it's made me who I am today.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02And now I'm passing on my wisdom to you guys in a video blog.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Pay attention! I've lived through all this so you don't have to do.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11On the Tracy Beaker Survival Files this time - responsibility.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14How to cope when people expect you to behave like a grown-up,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17to stop being childish, to set a good example.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20It's a nightmare! But I'm here to help.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25So here's the thing about growing up.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27There are good bits and bad bits.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29You get more freedom and that's great!
0:01:29 > 0:01:32OK. OK, we're on it, we're on it, we're on it.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35And there's really cool stuff, like learning to drive.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39I was a natural, as you'd imagine.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Stop! Stop!
0:01:41 > 0:01:43But there is a downside, too.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46The older you get, the more people expect of you.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49And they can get pretty angry when you let them down.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Ohhh! Tracy!
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- Tracy!- Tracy!
0:01:54 > 0:01:55Gutting but true.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59The older you get, the less you can get away with. "Grow up," they say.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03"Don't be so selfish. Think of others. You're not a baby any more."
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Not exactly a barrel of laughs, this responsibility business.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10# Welcome to the house of fun Now I've come of age... #
0:02:10 > 0:02:13And responsibility can get you in loads of ways.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16There's looking out for others or setting a good example,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19or being the one everyone else relies on.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22It can come as a shock when it first happens to you.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27And different people react differently.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- Get ready to run, Dolly. - Yeah, yeah!
0:02:30 > 0:02:32There's the Nathan way.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34In Nathan's world,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36responsibility is something that happens to other people,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40leaving him free to carry on being the world's biggest kid around.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Nathan is a very caring team member
0:02:42 > 0:02:45but he needs to become more responsible.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Nathan is a very caring team member
0:02:50 > 0:02:53but he sometimes lacks authority.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Chocolate-loving Jenny was Nathan's boss.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01She wanted to give Nathan the benefit of the doubt
0:03:01 > 0:03:02but sometimes that wasn't so easy.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Hurrrgh!
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Right! You lot, this is not funny.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12THEY LAUGH
0:03:12 > 0:03:14I want to know who booby-trapped the treat cupboard.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Actually, Jenny, it was... it was me.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19JENNY SIGHS
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- What?!- Well, I knew someone was nicking the chocolate bars
0:03:22 > 0:03:24so I thought I'd catch them in the act.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26Oh! Oh, you did, did you?
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Well, that, that's the most stupid, immature
0:03:30 > 0:03:32and potentially most dangerous thing that...
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Everything all right?
0:03:34 > 0:03:35Nathan was 21 going on eight.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39There's a big mutant troll thing behind the third door. Trust me.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Lovable, but totally irresponsible.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Yo! Level four.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46How amazing is that, dudes?
0:03:47 > 0:03:49But it can work the other way around. Take Lily.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53And the troll leapt out from behind the tree,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56his warty nose wobbling in the moonlight.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58# We are family... #
0:03:58 > 0:04:00She's only a young girl herself.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02# I've got all my sisters with me... #
0:04:02 > 0:04:04But she's had to cope with a lot,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08more responsibility than some adults ever will.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12After their mum died, Lily took care of her little sisters,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14even though she was only a few years older.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15She's amazing, really.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Lily, do you ever feel you've had to deal with too much
0:04:18 > 0:04:20responsibility in your life?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Not really. I just get on with it.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25But you were like a mum to Poppy and Rosie.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27That's a lot to ask from a girl of your age.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Yeah, well, they're my sisters.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I have to do it. Who else is going to do it?
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- Well...- Look, Tracy, don't say it.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35You know my dad's got a lot of stuff to deal with.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- I think these actually suit me. What do you reckon?- Yeah, they're cool.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42'Lily's dad wasn't really the responsible type.'
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Can I get a juice, a water and two muffins, please?
0:04:45 > 0:04:48'He disappeared from his daughters' life because he got so sad
0:04:48 > 0:04:51'when their mum died that he just got drunk all the time.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54'He just couldn't cope and then suddenly he turned up again.'
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Hey!
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Stop it! Get off her!
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Daddy! No!
0:05:03 > 0:05:05It's OK. He's gone now.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08No! He's my dad.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13But he hadn't come back to take care of Lily.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15He was still sorting out his own problems.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20And telling her he was sorry was part of the process.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I was up best part of the night trying not to drink that.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30It was my fault, wasn't it?
0:05:30 > 0:05:34No. Nobody makes me drink but me.
0:05:34 > 0:05:35And you didn't.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39'So guess what? Before you knew it, Lily was looking after him, too.'
0:05:39 > 0:05:41It's for you.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- I don't need new clothes. - Yeah, you do.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Hah? Feel a bit more human.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- Yeah, you look it, too. - All right, cheeky!
0:05:52 > 0:05:54LILY LAUGHS
0:05:54 > 0:05:57You always did know how to cheer me up, didn't you?
0:05:57 > 0:05:59I should be making sure you're all right.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I mean, that's my job as your dad.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Right mess I've made of it, haven't I?
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Lily missed out on a lot taking responsibility for her family.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10So surely a sorted and capable adult like me should be able to cope with
0:06:10 > 0:06:12a job as a care worker,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14especially since I've been in care.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16I know exactly how this job should be done.
0:06:16 > 0:06:22# Fantastic day today... #
0:06:22 > 0:06:23Well, I thought I did!
0:06:23 > 0:06:25When I found myself on the other side,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29I soon learnt that being in charge is not as easy as it looks.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35What time do you call this? Tracy, you're over an hour late.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- I know. I'm really sorry. - What an honour(!) Now, take that.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Sort out Carmen's old room.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Suddenly I was expected to be the responsible one
0:06:44 > 0:06:47and cope with the demands of a busy house, full of kids.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51No, you promised me you'd do my tour and I can't do anything
0:06:51 > 0:06:53till I've crossed it off my list.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56I can't cross it off my list till you've done it.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00I began to understand how Nathan had felt.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Hiya!
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Oh, I was going to do that with you.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Yeah, yesterday.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Tee, I'm so sorry. - No talking on the tour!
0:07:10 > 0:07:12You'll hold us up and we're late already.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15All of the Dumping Ground kids have been let down in the past
0:07:15 > 0:07:18so they really need someone they can depend on,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21who gets how they feel, and isn't going to let them down again.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25I thought I was perfect for the job but it wasn't as easy as all that.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- You don't keep your promises.- I do.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- Don't!- We're not talking to her.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- What did I do?- If you don't know, we're not telling you.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Stop talking!
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- Oh, I said I'd help you move rooms. - Talking!- Hang on.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- Look, girls, I'm really sorry but... - You're doing it again. Stop talking!
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Tracy Beaker promises not to talk on Gus's tour. There.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Gus! Now what did I do?
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Not exactly the perfect start with Gus.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01And, even when I got the kids on my side, that was only half the story.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04In order to become a responsible grown-up, you have to persuade
0:08:04 > 0:08:06the other responsible grown-ups
0:08:06 > 0:08:09that you've joined the responsible grown-up club.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15I remember once when Mike was ill and Gina was going out.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16Mike, go and lie down.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Ooh, someone's given Gina a makeover!
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Stop staring, I'm fine.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Well, you don't look fine, you know, Mike.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Do want me to change into my work clothes and you go home?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- It's OK, you don't have to stay. I'm here.- Oh.- What, you don't trust me?
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Uh, it's just that, you know, you're inexperienced.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Gina, the care workers' awards ceremony happens only once a year.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Go! I'll call you if I need you.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46OK. But I will be checking in.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Have a good time.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Gina didn't trust me to be responsible for
0:08:53 > 0:08:55the whole Dumping Ground on my own.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00She thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Why don't you trust me with the kids. What were you afraid of?
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Afraid? I wasn't afraid.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09I was petrified!
0:09:09 > 0:09:11I must admit that the phrase
0:09:11 > 0:09:14"Tracy Beaker in sole charge of Elmtree House"
0:09:14 > 0:09:17is not one that I ever expected to hear.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19In fact, I'd put it up there with
0:09:19 > 0:09:22"England football team wins the World Cup", or
0:09:22 > 0:09:24"Oh, it's been so hot and sunny this summer,
0:09:24 > 0:09:28"we could really do with some rain!"
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Of course I was worried.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36But, I mean, you know, it was only a few hours. Nothing bad could happen.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Surely.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40I don't know why they didn't trust me.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I mean, it's not as if I don't know what I'm doing.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45You just need to be able to keep calm under pressure.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Gus, it's all right, I'm here now. You can get in the bath.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Good, cos it's getting cold.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53And juggling the needs of ten lively kids is all in a day's work
0:09:53 > 0:09:55for the responsible care worker.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- GUS: Are you still there?- Yep!
0:09:59 > 0:10:02BOTH: # Upside down, right way up... #
0:10:02 > 0:10:04He appeared from nowhere.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06He started walking towards her.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08She didn't know what to do.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10So she...
0:10:12 > 0:10:14DOOR OPENS LOUDLY
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Mike needs a doctor!
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Toby!
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Mike doesn't need a doctor, he just needs some rest.- He looks hot.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Then make him a cold drink and leave it by his bed.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29I can't go in the kitchen, I might be carrying his germs.
0:10:29 > 0:10:30SHE HUFFS
0:10:30 > 0:10:32HE MIMICS HER
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Carmen, could you get Mike a cold drink? I've got to sort out Gus.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- It's my bedtime.- And mine.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- Then I officially extend them by half an hour.- Yes!- Yes!
0:10:46 > 0:10:49I think I was doing all right, all things considered.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52And the kids weren't complaining. Listen to these happy customers.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Remember the first time I was left in charge of the Dumping Ground
0:10:55 > 0:10:58by myself - how did you feel about that?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Well, you were still quite new
0:11:00 > 0:11:02so I wanted to help you out as much as I could.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Carmen, could you give me a hand?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08We're going to need another bedtime extension
0:11:08 > 0:11:09to help you tidy all this up.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- And me.- Yeah, sure. Whatever!
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Yeah, I think it would be good if you were
0:11:14 > 0:11:16in charge by yourself more often.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19No, you're not too bossy.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21You'll always listen to a reasonable argument.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- We need to talk.- OK...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Carmen and I have the same bedtime...
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- ..which means my bedtime should be later than hers.- Mine, too.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Mine should be the latest because I'm the oldest.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- GUS: Tracy, finish my story!- OK, you can all stay up half an hour later.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- How's that?- ALL: Yesss!
0:11:36 > 0:11:38You see? You treat the kids like responsible human beings
0:11:38 > 0:11:41and then everything else takes care of itself.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45OK, there were a few minor problems,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48like Toby's imagination running riot about my Mike's illness.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Mike's got Ebola! Call an ambulance!
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- Toby, he hasn't got Ebola. - We should be in quarantine.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56GUS: There's no lock on the toilet!
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- 'And Sapphire nicking the lock from the toilet door.'- Look!
0:12:00 > 0:12:01Sapphire.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Who is it?- Open the door.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11I'm sorry, Sapphire can't come out and play today. Try again tomorrow.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14I am not kidding. Open this door now.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- Put the lock back on the loo door. - You said I could have it!
0:12:17 > 0:12:19No, I didn't!
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Hey! Why did he do that?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23He needed a wee and he couldn't go
0:12:23 > 0:12:26cos someone took the lock off the toilet door.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Gus? Gus! Gus! Open the door!
0:12:28 > 0:12:31I'm not kidding. Open the door now!
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Quiet, you'll wake Mike.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Gus, open the door!
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Ooh, I'd better go check on him.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- What's going on?- Gus has locked himself in. Open the door!
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Are you coming out?- No.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Right, I warned you.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Sapphire!
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Sapphire, stop it!
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Why? He's messing up my room.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04I think Gus has wee'd in Sapphire's room.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05Ohhh!
0:13:05 > 0:13:09'Oh, great(!) This was just getting better and better.'
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Gus! Open the door!
0:13:17 > 0:13:21She hasn't woken Mike up yet. We should call an ambulance.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25At this point the last thing I needed
0:13:25 > 0:13:27was Gina sticking her nose in.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29So guess what happened next?
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- Hello.- Harry, what are you doing up?
0:13:33 > 0:13:36I had a feeling that something wasn't right, you know.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39When you've been doing this job as long as I have,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41you get kind of a sixth sense.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46Also, Mike had been crazy enough to leave you in charge so I thought,
0:13:46 > 0:13:50"Let me just give a quick call," you know, just to put my mind at rest.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- SHE SIGHS - I'm on my way.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58So now Gina was on the warpath. Just a perfect day(!)
0:13:58 > 0:14:02You worry too much. I had everything under control, in my own way.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05That's exactly what I was worried about.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09I flew back to Elmtree House like I had wings.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- Or a broomstick.- What?
0:14:11 > 0:14:12Nothing.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Gina was prepared to be shocked
0:14:15 > 0:14:17but nothing could have prepared her for what she found.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19With super-responsible me in charge,
0:14:19 > 0:14:23the Dumping Ground was a picture of peace and tranquillity.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Somehow.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Come in.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Oh, you all right, Gina? Did you have a good night?
0:14:39 > 0:14:44Oh, hi, Gina. Why are you back so soon? Rubbish party?
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Are you OK, Harry? - I've had a nightmare.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51Weird one, with pizza and pee. You wouldn't believe it.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53I said I'd read them a story.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Oh.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02SHE MOUTHS
0:15:02 > 0:15:06I had proved myself. Mike and Gina were right to trust me.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08I was a responsible, capable care worker.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- I'm sorry I doubted you, Tracy. - It's OK.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15And thanks for admitting you were wrong.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16SIRENS BLARE
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Where's the Ebola victim?
0:15:19 > 0:15:20Upstairs. Quick!
0:15:24 > 0:15:27'All fine, then. Give or take an emergency medical team.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29'But we've all been there.'
0:15:29 > 0:15:32So what have we found out so far
0:15:32 > 0:15:36about responsibility to put in my survival files?
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Well, there comes a day for everyone when they have to stop being a kid
0:15:40 > 0:15:42and face up to their responsibilities.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44But you never know when it's going to happen.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47It can be very different for different people.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Some kids, like Lily, seem more responsible than most adults.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56And some adults are more childish than most kids, like Nathan.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00I suppose I'm somewhere in the middle. And that can be tough.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03I try to be a responsible role model for the kids.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06But I also have to convince Mike and Gina that
0:16:06 > 0:16:12I'm a super-responsible colleague and they should trust me a bit more.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17You never know when you're going to get called upon to be responsible
0:16:17 > 0:16:19so it's a good idea to practice, just in case.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23One good way to learn responsibility is by looking after a pet.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26You know, maybe we should do more of that here at the Dumping Ground.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Gina, don't you think it would be a good idea to get some more pets?
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Pets?!
0:16:32 > 0:16:35We have enough wildlife in this place.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39It's like a zoo already, especially at feeding time.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45So what's the best type of pet? A few ground rules.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47It shouldn't be too sticky.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50I was just checking all my stick insects were gone.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54I set them free cos you said it was cruel to keep animals in a box.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56SCREAMS
0:16:57 > 0:17:00SHOUTING AND SCREAMING
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Or too sheepish.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- It's Mrs Sheep. - That's not her name.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08I don't care what her name is.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Tee, you can't have a sheep.- Yes, I can.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13No-one'll foster us if we come with farmyard animals.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14- Except a farmer. - Or a vet.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15Or a butcher.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18And house-training is a must.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23If you want to avoid this kind of messy moment.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Take that in. Wait, hang on!
0:17:25 > 0:17:27HE SNIFFS
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- It's that dog again! - Oh, that's so gross!
0:17:29 > 0:17:31SCREAMS
0:17:31 > 0:17:34OK, so they leave the occasional squelchy little gift around
0:17:34 > 0:17:37the place but, still, what could be cuter than a cuddly canine?
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Shouldn't we get a Dumping Ground dog?
0:17:40 > 0:17:45Yeah, like, wouldn't it be cool?
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Well, if we got a dog we could keep out the burglars.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50It varies breed to breed,
0:17:50 > 0:17:54but a dog needs an average of 52 minutes a day of exercise.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56I don't think we should get a dog.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58I think we should get another giraffe,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01only... a bigger one that can talk
0:18:01 > 0:18:03and fly.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Looks like almost everyone would be well up for a dog about the place.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09I guess there's something about stray pups
0:18:09 > 0:18:11that the kids can relate to.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- Aw!- Go on, get out of it!
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- Don't! He's lovely.- Go on!
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Why do they always gravitate around me? I hate dogs.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Ahhh! Lovely Fang!
0:18:24 > 0:18:27The trouble is that some people prefer a stray dog to
0:18:27 > 0:18:29a stray human, like the Lookers.
0:18:29 > 0:18:35They were loaded and wanted to foster. Everyone got their hopes up.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- And who's this? Are you looking to get fostered, too?- ALL: No!
0:18:39 > 0:18:41And guess what they did?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Yep, they left with the dog.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Oh, we couldn't leave a cute little thing like you here now, could we?
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Let me get this straight, you came here to
0:18:50 > 0:18:52foster a child and you're leaving with a dog?
0:18:52 > 0:18:54She needs a good home.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56We all do.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59This isn't a holiday camp. It isn't fun living here.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02And you've got the opportunity to change someone's life.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05And you're going to give it to a dog?!
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Yep, something about a lost pup
0:19:07 > 0:19:10can really bring out people's soppy sides.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Even people who should know better, mentioning no names.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Cam.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18But, look, if the old lady ever find he's too much, I'll have him.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- You'll have him?- Too right, he's great. Really funny and no trouble.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Really funny?
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Yeah, it's the way he looks at you. You know, that cheeky,
0:19:27 > 0:19:28lopsided grin of his.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- He's not grinning, he's baring his teeth.- No.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- You wouldn't do that. You're never naughty, are you?- Not like me, eh?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Is that why you couldn't keep me?
0:19:37 > 0:19:39I wasn't funny enough,
0:19:39 > 0:19:40I was too naughty, too much trouble?
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- Oh, Tracy, it wasn't like that. - Come on, Fang.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49That was Cam for you.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52She was considering taking a mangy old mutt into her house but she
0:19:52 > 0:19:56still wasn't sure about living with me, her perfect foster daughter.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Well, taking on a child is a big responsibility.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02I had to think through things very carefully.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04You must understand that.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Yeah, but did you have to spend that long thinking about it?
0:20:07 > 0:20:09I thought your brain had rusted up(!)
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- I just had to get you house-trained before I let you move in!- Cam!
0:20:13 > 0:20:15# Just the two of us... #
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Cam's right.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Taking a child into your life is a huge decision for both of you.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24You have to be sure that you're up to the challenge.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26You're mean, you're cruel and you're nasty.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Brian, finish waxing, would you?
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- Tracy, wait. - I've waited long enough.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And if I never set my eyes on you ever again,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37that'll be ten years too soon.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41What's happened?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Oh, we had a huge bust-up about me fostering her.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Let's go inside.- I can't. I need some time to think.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Well, decide about it now, then. You've had ages to think it through.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54I still need more time.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57How much more? Months, years? How do you think I feel?
0:20:57 > 0:20:59You're stringing me along all the time.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03I'm not sure I'm not foster mother material, Tracy.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05You know that better than anyone.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08I'm probably more like big sister material.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11More like ugly big sister material.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16So Cam ummed and ahhed for ages. Was she good enough for me?
0:21:16 > 0:21:20But eventually she realised she had to face up to her responsibility.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22She had to get me out of the Dumping Ground,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26move me into a house and shower me with gifts and treats.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31It took a while but we got there in the end.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35But some people never get the responsibility thing,
0:21:35 > 0:21:37like Carmen's mum.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Get this. She went on holiday with her boyfriend and left Carmen at
0:21:40 > 0:21:44home by herself with just a load of cans of spaghetti hoops for company.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49# Just the two of us We can make it if we try... #
0:21:49 > 0:21:53Carmen didn't see her for ages then suddenly she was back,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55saying she'd changed.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- Can I help you?- Oh, hello. I've arranged to see my daughter.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03I'm Helen, Carmen's mum.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Things are different now.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11I've got my priorities right and I'm here to show Carmen I've changed.
0:22:11 > 0:22:12I mean it this time.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17I know I've been a terrible mum and I've made some mistakes,
0:22:17 > 0:22:22some horrible mistakes, but I'm past all that now.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25And I want to try and make it right.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34I wasn't so sure. But she really seemed sorry for what she'd done.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39And everyone deserves a second chance, right?
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Well, I know she wasn't the perfect mum
0:22:42 > 0:22:45but I just thought that we could just forget about it and move on.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49How could you forgive her after everything she did?
0:22:49 > 0:22:54Cos... she's my mum. You know?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Don't you?- Yeah.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59I never, ever should have left you alone for a week.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02I can't believe the terrible way I treated you.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07I'm your mother. How could I do that to you?
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Because you were in love, remember?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13I can never forgive myself.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15PHONE RINGS
0:23:15 > 0:23:18You should answer it, it might be someone important.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23Can't be important enough to interrupt my day with my daughter.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It's Lee.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Don't worry, darling.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30We broke up.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35- Oh. Sorry.- Don't be.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38When you fall in love, you really fall.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Wasn't that stupid of me?
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Typical, I thought. Carmen's the one who should be crying, not her.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48And then came the bombshell.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I have just had the best idea!
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Come with me to Spain!
0:23:54 > 0:23:57I mean, you know I would have taken you with me if I could
0:23:57 > 0:24:01but Lee said it wouldn't work. Well, he's gone now, so you can come.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Just me and my mum in Spain.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07No Lee, just the two of us looking after each other.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10It all seemed too good to be true.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12PHONE RINGS
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Is that Lee again?
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:17And do you know what?
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I'm going to tell him that you're moving in and
0:24:20 > 0:24:23I never want to see him again. Can take this somewhere?
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- Mm-hm, just through there. - All right, thanks.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29I thought you had to go. You don't need to answer it, just hang up.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31It'll only take a second, sweetie.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35He is going to be so jealous when I tell him what we've done.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36Mum, please!
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Lee? Yes, I'm not interested.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Yep, seemed too good to be true...
0:24:45 > 0:24:46because it was.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Wonderful news, darling!
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Lee and I are going to give it another go!
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Oh, no! Don't look like that.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55He's agreed you can come and live with us.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Well, not straightaway, of course.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01The flat really isn't big enough for three but, um,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03we're going to find somewhere bigger,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and when we're settled in, you can join us!
0:25:08 > 0:25:11So that's really good news, isn't it?
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Poor Carmen. Let down again by her selfish mum.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19She should've been there for her daughter, but she was too obsessed
0:25:19 > 0:25:23with herself and her own stupid life to notice how she was ruining mine!
0:25:23 > 0:25:24I mean Carmen's.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Well, I just lost it.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Your behaviour stinks! And so do you for putting Carmen through this.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Have you ever given the slightest thought to anyone else but yourself?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I've not been having an easy time of it lately.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38You again! Listen to yourself.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40It's all about you.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42What about your daughter?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45You dumped her to live in Spain with your boyfriend and then
0:25:45 > 0:25:48when it didn't work out you wanted your daughter back again.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Unbelievably, she gave you another chance and then what did you do?
0:25:52 > 0:25:53You dumped her again.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55I'm glad you did because let me tell you,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Carmen deserves better. Way better.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02You're right, Tracy. You're so right and I'm...
0:26:02 > 0:26:05I don't want to hear it. And I bet Carmen doesn't either.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10So do us all a favour and shove off back to Spain. Adios!
0:26:15 > 0:26:18The way Carmen's mum behaved really made me mad.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20It was just me, me, me with her.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22"Oh, it's so hard for poor little me!"
0:26:22 > 0:26:24She didn't consider anyone else.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26She was like a spoilt child who'd never learned
0:26:26 > 0:26:28to grow up and take responsibility.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30And no-one wants to know someone like that.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39So what can I tell you about responsibility
0:26:39 > 0:26:41to put into my survival files?
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Well, it's something we all have to deal with eventually
0:26:45 > 0:26:47and it takes some getting used to.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Pets are a good way of learning responsibility
0:26:50 > 0:26:51but that can get messy,
0:26:51 > 0:26:56and it will be your responsibility to clear up afterwards!
0:26:56 > 0:26:57Some people, like me,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00have no problem dealing with loads of responsibility.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Others find it much harder to face up to.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06In fact, I reckon lots of adults secretly wish
0:27:06 > 0:27:09they were still children when there was less for them to worry about.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12That can be all right if you're a big, lovable kid like Nathan,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15but when you've got a big responsibility,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19like Carmen's mum, you have to face up to it, otherwise your selfishness
0:27:19 > 0:27:23will mess up other people's lives and that's really rubbish.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28So that's the Beaker guide to responsibility safely uploaded
0:27:28 > 0:27:29to the Tracy Beaker Survival Files.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32# Do anything you want to do... #
0:27:32 > 0:27:36More gems of wisdom from my experiences next time,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39so do the responsible thing and make sure you don't miss it!
0:27:39 > 0:27:43Remember, I've been through all this so you don't have to.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:49 > 0:27:52E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk