S: Superwhy, Sesame Street, and other Shows

The cartoons that are on for kids today are much different than the cartoons that were around when I was young (although I'd like to think that wasn't all that long ago).  Flipping through the channels, catching a glimpse of some of the 'kids' shows that are on TV, I can catch myself glaring at the screen in horror.

I'm absolutely appalled by what some people create and then market to children, fighting and whining and blowing things up and plenty more that I can't even be bothered to take the time to pay any attention to.  And then we wonder why some kids grow up the way they do!  Well with televisions playing the role of the babysitter much more than they should be, there's no need to wonder.

There are however, some exceptions, some gems that I have discovered that are not only clean and wholesome, but they actually teach kids and help them learn. 

Sesame Street and Superwhy are two shows that I make exceptions for and am completely okay with my kids watching.  Sesame Street has been around forever, and I can see why.  It teaches letters and numbers, shapes and vocabulary.  There are great lessons that coincide with what kids have to face in life, like sharing, and being nice to others and what to do when you're angry.  And the furry little monster friends are absolutely adorable. 

Superwhy is another one of the great discoveries I have made.  I can sing the alphabet all day long until I am blue in the face (and some days I do) and I read to my girls every day as much as they want, but it wasn't really until my oldest daughter started to watch Superwhy that she really started to learn her letters.  She points out all the letters in all the words she sees and then asks "What does that spell?"  It makes me so excited and I feel so proud of her and I am happy that the lovable characters, the characters she calls 'her friends' have taught her this. 

I haven't taken a chance on too many other shows because I don't like my girls to watch too much TV in the run of a day, but there are some others that I've caught a peek of from time to time and I find them quite educational.  Dora the Explorer is a good choice, it was one I enjoyed when I was just a bit younger, it helps kids learn two languages which is exciting and wonderful.  Zoboomafoo is one that I don't even know whether it's still on or not, but it's a great chance for kids to see real animals and learn all about them, it was another favourite of mine when I was a young'un.  The Cat in the Hat is not bad either, kids can learn about animals and how things are made, I've even learnt a thing or two.  Curious George is alright, this gives kids another opportunity to learn about things, I myself discovered how maple syrup is made.  Word World is another great show for spelling.  And Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhood is alright. 

I guess my whole point is, like anything in life, make whatever you do or whatever you take time on, something of quality, something worthwhile.  I truly believe it's in our best interests as parents to pay attention to what our kids are watching, and if it's not purposeful, why bother with it?