Childhood Favorites: Discovering the Strangeness of Classic Kids Shows as a Parent

Childhood Favorites: Discovering the Strangeness of Classic Kids Shows as a Parent

As a parent, revisiting beloved childhood shows through my children's eyes has been both delightful and eye-opening. One series that particularly stands out is Tom and Jerry. As an 8–9 year old, I didn't notice anything amiss; however, as a young mother, watching these antics with my kids, I couldn't help but gasp at the violence. The antics of these cats involved an endless series of chases and misadventures that would now lead me to wonder if it was appropriate for young children.

Reevaluating Childhood Classics

The realization that some beloved childhood cartoons may not be suitable for a child's young mind was a wake-up call. I quickly sought out different shows that were less violent and more educational. Some of the new shows included:

"Peppa Pig" - A charming series that highlights the joy and simplicity of the adventures of a young pig. "Heidi" - A story that teaches valuable lessons about kindness and perseverance in a beautiful mountain setting. Plum Landing (PBS) - A space-themed show that encourages exploration and problem-solving in a kid-friendly way.

These changes weren't just about content evaluation; they were also about finding activities that would nurture a child's creativity and imagination.

Alternative Activities for Kids

When not glued to the screen, my children engage in a variety of creative and stimulating activities. Here are some favorites:

Dirt Play

Making art from unconventional materials is one of the most enjoyable activities my kids and I engage in. We create sculptures using wooden blocks and play in the dirt. A bag of used paper bags becomes an impromptu work of art when colored and used to form buildings or imaginative landscapes. The use of natural materials like salt and flour to create play-dough not only fosters creativity but also provides a sensory experience that stimulates the child's senses.

Reading Time

From a very early age, reading has been a fundamental part of our routine. By the time my children were around 13–14 months old, they began to recite nursery rhymes and even finish sentences from stories like The Pokey Little Puppy. This level of engagement is a testament to the power of early childhood literature. Simple books with a few words and big, colorful pictures are perfect for young minds, making reading an enriching experience for both the child and the parent.

Sing Along with Wee Sing Tapes

Music has always played a significant role in our household. Wee Sing tapes, now digitally available in CD format, have been a regular part of our musical repertoire. These albums are not just for entertainment but also for aiding in language development and cognitive growth. Regular exposure to music and songs has helped my children develop a strong affinity for rhythm and melody.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my childhood and then looking back at classic children's shows as a parent has been a journey of reassessment. It has led me to prioritize content that is both entertaining and safe for the developing minds of my children. By providing a variety of creative activities and age-appropriate entertainment, I hope to nurture their growth and development into happy, curious, and well-rounded individuals.

Through revisiting these childhood shows and finding different ways to engage with my children, I have gained a new appreciation for the importance of considering the impact of media on young minds, and have discovered new ways to create meaningful, enriching experiences for both myself and my family.