We had 5 kids here for the past week (obviously, 3 of my own and then Mike’s sister’s 2 kids) with the ages ranging from 2.5 to 11. To create the illusion of downtime, we’d put the TV on at the end of the day (not all that uncommon in our house on a normal day).
The first few nights, Imagination Movers was the go-to show since my 3 like it and the 7 year old does as well. (Jaine didn’t really care what was on as she was reading or texting…) I think Logan was able to sneak in a Mickey Mouse Club House at one point (his favorite), and there was a Backyardigans (or two) as well.
Since the 2 cousins come from a different time zone, they had the TV to themselves for a few hours after my kids went to bed. The topic of TV shows was obviously discussed while surfing – including shows that are off-limits.
So now I’m curious…what are your kids watching? And are there any shows that are considered “age appropriate” but that you don’t allow? What are the reasons behind the decision?
Filed under: kids | Tagged: kids shows, off-limits, tv, tv shows |
The Zimmer Zoo 
We have Curious George, Sesame Street, Backyardigans, Team Umizoomi, Dinosaur Train, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the DVR. Current faves are Team Umizoomi and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but they come and go of course.
I avoid Dora at all costs. They’ve seen it once or twice, but I basically don’t let them watch it at home. I hate it, all she does is yell! So annoying. No Caillou, no Barney, no Blues Clues, also super annoying to me.
I don’t like Ben 10 or any of those japenese style animation agressive shows. Here High 5 is our favourite – not sure if you see it there (it’s Australian)
My kids are (just about) 4 yrs apart in age. And as T&M get older, it’s harder and harder to find shows that are “age appropriate” for all that I will allow. I’ve slowly let Pokemon, Bakugan in. But I *do not* allow Chaotic (scary/violent animation) or Power Rangers on the TV. Then there’s a bunch where the animation just look like it’s for the drooler Jr. high crowd (sorry, can’t think of the names). All like Scooby Doo, Totally Spies (and it’s new spin-off), Phineas & Ferb (took mommy some getting used to), Suite Life. Luckily, Little Guy is still happy watching Mickey, Dora, Wonder pets, etc. when he’s home w/out his big bros.
Ever since the boys started being able to play the wii independently, they almost never choose TV anymore (I try to limit screen time, so it’s always a choice between wii or TV show). That said, they really enjoy Zooboomafoo (not sure of the spelling…on PBS about animals, kind of like croc hunter without any scary parts and about all kinds of animals, like a show about puppies or animal habitats or lizards).
I have an extremely low tolerance for kids TV…I’d much rather play super mario bros or wii fit with the boys 🙂 Dora, Diego, and Calliou are all on my NEVER watch list–too much yelling/whining!