Dec 16 2008
Good TV for Kids
These days it seems there are cartoons for every age. If your lucky enough to have BabyTV for your newborn that stuff is great, but that might not be an option for you and your family.
First and for most you got to get your kids going with PBSKIDs. I know you have been aware of this programming all of your life but it still sets the standard for quality children’s programming. Seseme Street is better than ever dealing with subjects like bringing in new babies to your life, too learning how to share. Then on PBS there are new shows as well with shows like Super Why, Word World and Curious George, one of my favorites, which are great for boys. I could of used SuperWhy when I was a kid myself. For girls, there is Word Girl as well.
Once your kids get a little older and more curious and if you are fortunate that you have cable or satellite television then you get into a lot more stations and shows to deal with. Most important thing to remember out of all of this is you are in control of the remote as the parent. If you do not like a show then just stop watching before you think your boys or girls are hooked.
In my opinion, I am not a big fan of shows like Power Rangers because one, there is a lot of fighting which can sometimes send a wrong message saying its okay to hit you brother or sister. For older kids it’s a little better for promoting good fitness but for the younger ones I am not sure what it teaches. Children love animation with super heroes and weird pika-choos but when they see actual kids fighting it almost promotes the act. The last thing you need as a parent is taking your child to the doctor becuase your toddler got hurt playing too rough.
In my mind Nickelodeon and Cartoon network are better than what we used to have back in the day. Nick Jr has shows like Go Diego Go for the boys and Dora the Explorer for the girls but if they are young enough like say 2 to 4 it really makes no differnce what thye watch. I try to stay with my boy cartoons but do not be surprised if your boys start watching shows like My Life As a Teenage Robot. Which is a cartoon on Nick Toons where the main character is girl robot but since it is a robot the boys like the show and that might be alright for a little while. However the best show for kids right now on Nick Jr and Noggin is Yo Gabba Gabba.
Yo Gabba Gabba is a mix between Sesame Street, Soul Train, and Picture Pages with Bill Cosby. It is a newer show that came out about a year ago and if your kids love to move to music, like watching other kids do weird stuff and just enjoy DJ Lance’s batch of odd furry creatures. This show is an example of the future of children’s television and they really got a hit on there hands at Nick Jr.
Now you know, I cannot talk children’s TV without mentioning SpongeBob SquarePaints. Yes, I know for the little ones some shows are little too much however, it is hard to stay away when this show is on so much. There is a cleverness behind the show that just brings more and more fans all the time. Mostly because adults like the show as well as myself. Plus I just love the characters which many of us can relate to in our real world. Do not tell me that there are no one in your life that resemble Mr Krabs, Squidward or Patrick Star. You are lying if said “no.”
Cartoon Network was small compared to what it is today. This network can be misleading because at times the shows are for older kids and even adults. At night time this becomes Adult Swim and you know what I am talking about when I mention that series of shows. For example “Robot Chicken.” “No” I do not let my kids watch Family Guy or even the Simpsons for that matter just because they are intended for teenagers and adults and you can debate me all you want on that one. I am a fan of those shows its just too much for the little ones.
Moreover Cartoon Network still has quality programming for kids. Shows like Chowder is great and is different in there attempt to get kids excited about different foods. Foster’s House of Imaginary Friends is very funny and makes you think back when you were imagining all of the time as a child. The Adventure of Billy Mandy and Grim is a little more scary but with kids these days they are not scared by much and in actuality they get excited more than they get scared. Monsters are always a big hit for kids in my opinion.
All of these shows I mentioned are not exactly the best for everyone, however you be the judge and let your kids explore a little. I know we all just want to put on Sesame Street every day but even kids need a break form that sometimes. It is alright to have a little more fun and live a little from time to time. Why you say? Kids have a lot more to worry about than watching bad cartoons and you know as a kids you loved to watch shows that were not exactly for your age as well. I am not push over parent I just beleave in the fact that you can teach your child and be more involved with them with their television as long as you explain what they are watching. Most of the time with young children they are just excited to see than to understand what they are seeing. Just be more involved is what I am saying and they will be fine.
