[2] The film begins with a picture-perfect day at the boardwalk for a family of four, mother Emma, father Harry, son Danny and daughter Joy.
In the morning she finds her wish has come true in an unusual way: she had wanted to be able to go to and be with her family to help in their difficult time and she is now 40 years younger, able to go out to them even if they don't come to her.
With no time to lose (the wish lasts only for a full month) she buys new clothes and a car, and obtains work at her daughter's house as the new housekeeper/nanny (named Mame).
Variety gave Emma's Wish a mixed review, commenting that "If Hallmark Hall of Fame ever decided it had to do a knockoff of "Mrs. Doubtfire," it would look an awful lot like this heartwarming but cloying fantasy telepic.".
[3] The Hollywood Reporter panned the film, commenting that while they enjoyed Kern's acting "the story is so simpleminded that it remains a mere trifle".