Honestly, we could talk all day about these adult shows that we love, but we all know that this is not what is on all day at our homes. Here is my list of shows for kids that teach my children something (values, vocabulary, music, art, science, math, skills, language, etc.) and that my children love. Little Einsteins (Disney channel), The Magic School Bus (The Learning Channel), Dora the Explorer (Nogin), Blue's Clues (Nog), The Wonder Pets (Nog), Pinky Dinky Doo (Nog), The Save-ums (TLC), Peep (TLC), The Backyardigans (Nog), Franklin (Nog), Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (Dis), Handy Manny (Dis), Caillou (PBS), Dragon Tales (PBS), Maya and Miguel (PBS), Little Bear (Nog), Max and Ruby (Nog), Maisy (Nog), Bob the Builder, George Shrinks (PBS), Higglytown Hereos (Dis), Go, Diego, Go (Nog), and Clifford (PBS). We obviously don't watch these all in one day, these are just the shows we have watched at some time in the last year or so. These are all the ones I could think of right now. Feel free to comment on likes and dislikes of these shows.
My post was getting long, so I didn't want to put this following in the original post, here is my comment on one of the shows listed above... I for one, am very picky about episodes of Caillou now, because in one episode the mom and dad didn't have time for Caillou and his sister because they were late for work one day. Caillou was acting out a bit because he wasn't getting much attention. His parents basically told him to get over it, scolded him, and told him he was going to day care and he should just accept it and like it. Personally, I disagree with this. I have a degree in psychology and I know that this is the wrong way to handle it. Children naturally need to feel secure. That is why so many experts suggest having a stay at home parent. Telling a child that their feelings are wrong is confusing and cause them to feel insecure. If both parents do need to work, for financial reasons, then they should find a relative, who doesn't have a billion other kids to worry about, to watch their children. The kids need to feel like they are part of a home, somewhere safe, not animals being herded here and there in a day care center. Nor should they be in a home with children from several different families. This is not a safe feeling, they will feel like they don't belong. As children grow older and mature, they will be able to turn to themselves for that feeling of security. Don't tell a child to get over it and accept it, while you run off for self fulfillment. Don't have children if you are not willing to make the sacrafices for what's best for them.
I agree with you that kids need to feel secure and that their feelings shouldn't be disregarded. I disagree though that they can't have their needs met if they go to daycare or an at-home child care provider who watches children from different families. Some parents don't have relatives nearby or able to watch their kids, and many can't afford a nanny or someone who watches JUST their kids. I think as long as the children are going to the same place every day, develop a relationship with their provider and with the other childrenthey spend the day with, then they will feel secure. Of course, I'm a stay-at-home mom and do believe that is best for children, but sometimes it's just not possible so it's good for parents to know there are some good alternatives.
As for the show list you gave--thanks!!! I'm really out of the loop as far as kids' shows go. My son loves the Backyardigans (and I love it too) and his Baby Einstein videos, but those are the only things we've ever watched. I'm always looking for new options for when I have to, I don't know, take a shower maybe?
Joined: 2006-10-10