There are a few cartoons on TV that I really have a hard time with and that I avoid letting my 2 1/2 year old watch. I won't mention any specific ones, but words to describe them include crude, loud, busy, impolite and pointless.
There are a few cartoons that I have come to appreciate however and do not mind my child watching while I get some things done. Most of them are on Nick Jr. My favorite is Max and Ruby, a cute little show about a bunny and her little brother.
Sophie also enjoys Wonder Pets! and The Backyardigans which I also think are cute. Backyardigans is pretty amazing. The choreography and composition for a daily cartoon are incredible. It is obvious to me (someone who has taken dance classes), that there are talented choreographers and dedicated artists working on this show.
One of Sophie's favorites at the moment is Ni Hao, Kai-lan. I have a like/dislike relationship with this show. This one teaches more Chinese than Dora or Diego teach Spanish, which I like. And I have a soft spot for Chinese. Sophie is probably just too young for it though. They teach great lessons about dealing with your emotions. The thing is, Sophie doesn't get the actual lesson, she mimics the negative emotion that the cartoon is trying to address. Its kind of cute when she stomps around the living room saying, "I'm mad!" and making a mad face, but she doesn't get the part where they teach that when you are mad, you should take a moment to calm yourself down.
I am grateful for quality children's programming. There are a lot more that I haven't mentioned here, but as Kai-lan would say: It makes me super happy!
When you ask Sophie: Are you happy? she answers: Super Happy!. I think she learns something positive. But I still have the "Backyardigans" song in my brain as background music!! :):):)
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