I’m not sure about you, but I’m starting to lose count on how long schools and daycares have been closed. I know it varies from state to state but a lot of them have been closed for somewhere around a month now. Many states have gone on to announce that schools will not be returning until the fall. That is why today’s activity looks a little bit different. Today, I’m sharing some of our favorite shows with you. I’m not anti screen time and believe that it has a time and place. I also believe that it’s our jobs as adults to teach our kids balance and moderation in life – this includes screen time.
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Our Favorite Shows for Toddlers
I’m going to be focusing on toddlers today with my list of shows, but I wanted this post to also be your permission to turn on the TV from time to time. I know some sources are very against screen time and some parents feel guilt because of that. You ultimately have to do what feels right for you and your family.
In my opinion, it’s my job to set boundaries and balance with screens within my home. Our world is filled with screens of all shapes and sizes. My kids will encounter them at some point and I want them to know how to use them responsibly rather than connecting negativity to them. My toddlers do watch TV – some days more than others. They also get plenty of play time, exploration, and unique experiences.
Below, you’ll find a list of our favorite shows and why we love them. They are in no particular order. I simply wrote them down as I thought of them. (I’ll continue to add to this list so you might want to save it for later!)
Curious George
This has been a favorite in our house for a long time. I’ve always loved the Curious George books but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the shows incorporate mini science projects done by real kids in between episodes.
Leapfrog
When moms ask about teaching the alphabet to their toddler, I always recommend Leap Frog Letter Factory. The Leapfrog DVDs have been a favorite in our household and my toddler has learned a lot of the letters and sounds due to it.
Daniel Tiger
Not everyone likes Daniel Tiger but we definitely do around here. I love that they teach a variety of topics via their shows. My toddler just loves watching them.
Paw Patrol
This is more of a fun show for toddlers. While there are lessons scattered throughout the shows, they aren’t always as obvious as they are in some of the other series mentioned here.
Octonauts
If your little one is into science or the ocean, then this is the show for them. In this show, eight animals work to rescue creatures that they find throughout the ocean. At the end of every show, they do a creature report and show real life examples of the animals they encountered.
Chuggington
Chuggington is great for our train loving friends. This show shares the antics of the trains in Chuggington. The young trains are constantly learning from their elders and many lessons are taught along the way.
Bo on the Go
Bo on the Go is my go to show when I need to get the little ones up and moving. In this show, Bo and her dragon friend go on quests to solve problems. Along the way, they encourage little ones to do exercises and movement to unlock the next step of their quest.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Mickey and his friends teach a variety of skills in this one. I like it because Mickey is a timeless character. My toddler likes it because the songs and colors are catchy and entertaining.
Puppy Dog Pals
This is another fun one for the little ones. Bingo and Rolly go on a variety of adventures to help out their owner Bob. They travel around the world and show our little ones many different countries and cultures.
Blippi
I can’t say that this is my favorite show but it is one that my toddler asks for over and over again. Blippi can be found on YouTube through a simple search and teaches a variety of skills through his show. I do like checking out the different children’s museums that he visits in the show.
Notes
These are just a few of our top shows. There are many different ones out there for toddlers. I’ve only shared the ones that we’ve watched and my toddlers have loved. I’d love to hear your recommendations as well! Drop them in the comments below.
Remember, you’re not a bad parent for allowing screen time – especially during times of stress. Just remember that our kids need balance and movement as well. After all, it’s not great for anyone (even adults) to zone out in front of the TV indefinitely.
This activity is a part of our Activity of the Day series. This series was created to help parents with activities to do during school closures due to the coronavirus. Check back every weekday for new activity that you can do with kids of all ages!
