TV for Toddlers

In this world of Noggin, On-Demand television viewing and DVDs, children are offered more choices in their television viewing today than I ever had. Remember when Mr. Rogers was on at 7:30 and Sesame Street was on right after? Then it was time for school or if it were summer, to go outside and play. With the advent of PBS's Sprout last year, there is now preschool appropriate programming on every hour of every day. Children today watch more television than any previous generation.

I have a three year old daughter; we don't let her watch much television, so when she does (usually while I'm cleaning up after breakfast or making dinner) I'm picky about what she does get to watch. Of course, at three, my daughter has definite opinions when it comes to television viewing. Her favorites include Little Einsteins on the Disney Channel and the ubiquitous Dora the Explorer on Nickelodeon.

"Yay, Rimsky-Korsakov!"

I love that my daughter's favorite show - Little Einsteins on the Disney Channel - is one that includes classical music and art, animals, as well as lessons about being kind and helping others. Most of all, I love that they don't dumb it down. The show's creators regularly include phrases such as "Yay, Bizet!" and "Yay, Rimsky-Korsakov!" and call for viewer participation by clapping, singing, and moving around.

Dora, Dora, Dora

Every mom in knows Nick Jr.'s Dora. She's spunky and bilingual and her best friend is a blue monkey. The show is written around a strong three-part formula and calls often for viewer participation. I attribute my daughter's current obsession with maps (we have a collection now of maps from places like the zoo and parks we've visited) to Dora's influence not to mention the fact that her Spanish is better than mine.

"Lenny, Tuck, and Mimi too!"

The Wonder Pets on Noggin was created by Tony award winning Broadway producers. The music is well-written (even if it is the sort that gets stuck in my head all day) and the formula is complicated enough to hold my daughter's attention while still employing the Teletubbies-proven use of repetition.

Max & Ruby, Ruby & Max

Max and Ruby are bunnies. They also appear to be orphans. Grandma comes over occasionally, but there is not a mom or a dad to be seen. Ruby watches her little brother Max, bakes cookies, attends Bunny Scout functions, and baby-sits for the strange rich neighbor. My toddler regressed to one-word demands ala Max after watching this one. We don't watch Max & Ruby anymore.

These are just a few of the programs available for young children to view today. Just off the top of my head I can think of a multitude of children's programming - new titles like Pinky Dinky Do and the Backyardigans as well as old standbys like Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. Love it or hate it, above all, it is our responsibility as parents to watch television with our children as often as possible and to regulate how much and what they watch. Don't take it for granted that just because PBS or Noggin is airing a program that it is appropriate for YOUR child - every child is different and react to stimulus in different ways. Watch with your children and judge for yourself.