Parents and Cartoons

For about the same time span I did weather forecasting, I researched, viewed, and continued to talk about animation with tons of people, helping those who had no idea what was going on, to understand the massive changes of television animation.

One situation seems to continue remaining the same, that parents today are misunderstanding the style and reasoning for having today's televised animation the way it is now compared to that of the works of Hannah Barbara and Warner Bros.

Those who are parents continue to tell me how they feel about today's animation in general, and for the most part there opinions are across the board…while some don't mind the style and think today's animation is refreshing…a few believe that today's animated programs are, to say the least, kind of "evil" and or "brainless." Sometimes the simple problem could be that parents do not know how to talk to there kids about what they are watching, they may not understand the animated TV show in question, or they are simply uninformed about the program.

I do believe that many parents, however, do not understand the necessity of animated programs and styles changing. As one generation of youth follow after another, the demand to be even more creative and innovative has grown. Does that mean that children today who are as young as 5 years old and above can watch "The Simpsons" or "Family Guy," absolutely not! Regardless of the evolution of animation, or anything for that matter on television, parenting should never stop in the home and beyond. However, parents should not fear the cartoons that are different from that of "Looney Tunes." Don't worry, if your child is watching Cartoon Network programming like "Camp Lazlo," and "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends," it is completely normal. Adults sometime continue to forget that kids watch cartoons for almost the same reasons that people go to the movies, to get away from the craziness of society for a little while, and to simply laugh and have fun! YES, you indeed have to pick and choose, because obviously many kids will not always pick the best program for themselves. Obviously, that is what parents are for!

When I was a kid, I watched, just like today, an incredibly huge array of animated TV shows like "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Inspector Gadget," and there were times I was asked by both my parents and other adults about why I watch the shows that I watch, and exactly what the program was about. Parents should always query there children about what the cartoon is about, who the characters are, and more! The more questions you ask, and the more you watch the programs yourself, both with and without your kids, the better you will understand why your kids watch the animated shows that they watch, whether its on Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, or Disney. If I couldn't answer the questions in store for me in such a way that my parents could justify what I was watching, especially if they saw major problems like the language and content of the show, I was not going to be enjoying the show for myself for too long after that at all. In other words, I was not allowed to watch it!

With the internet at our fingertips, it is easier to research what a TV show is about, including the TV ratings such as TV-Y or PG, or Parental Guidance. This is especially true with cartoons of both the past and present. Parents and Guardians should use every resource available, including the internet, to research and know more about a certain cartoon, and there are even news stories on some show creators so it is easier for you to understand where producers, writers, and creators of your children's programming are coming from.

Finally, do have an open mind. Remember that cartoons are meant to make you laugh and entertain you, especially if the cartoon is all in good, clean, and wacky fun!