My children adore PBS, and they soak up an impressive range of knowledge, from the fact that an avalanche can race at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour to understanding that the sky appears blue due to light scattering in the Earth’s atmosphere, not to mention the basics like 4+3=7. They’re learning about colors and shapes too.
However, after countless episodes of puppets and animated creatures teaching concepts like sharing and table manners, I believe it’s time for PBS to level up. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if they introduced a series focused on practical life lessons for kids? I’m not suggesting patience exercises or turn-taking; I’m talking about vital survival skills—like the critical importance of not poking a bear that seems irritable.
Here are 20 essential lessons I wish PBS would incorporate into their programming:
- Always knock before entering Mom and Dad’s bedroom.
- The same rule applies to the bathroom.
- Chasing the dog with a spatula while making siren noises is not acceptable.
- Sneaking your dinner to feed the dog under the table isn’t cool either.
- Despite your fears, bath water is not dangerous.
- The couch is not a training ground for ninja moves.
- Girls generally dislike being hit with sticks or being called silly names.
- Do not attach chewing gum to the underside of the chair.
- And definitely don’t try to eat the gum you previously stuck there!
- We do not engage in real-life Fruit Ninja with real knives and actual fruit.
- Those organic bananas cost $47, for goodness’ sake!
- If you step in dog feces outside, kindly remove your shoes before entering the house.
- An entire roll of toilet paper cannot be flushed at once.
- You cannot refer to your sibling as a “dumbass,” regardless of your feelings.
- If Mom says no hitting, wiping boogers on your brother is not an acceptable alternative.
- Soap and water are required for hand washing—not just water, and certainly not a full bottle of soap!
- Even though they are labeled washable, markers should not be used on walls, floors, or your own body. Or your brother, for that matter!
- If you strike another child with your plastic sword, expect retaliation.
- When we say “use your words,” we don’t mean whiny tantrums.
- If you create a mess and ignore three warnings to clean it up, Mom might just lose her cool.
Perhaps PBS could even add some fun for parents by having characters like Daniel Tiger face consequences for misbehavior. Imagine Abby Cadabby’s magic going awry, transforming her into an inanimate object! There are so many creative ways PBS could help kids understand that inappropriate behavior has real-world repercussions.
For more parenting insights, you might also want to check out this post about the home insemination kit, which provides useful information on family-building options. Additionally, if you’re interested in understanding conditions that affect pregnancy, this authority on endometriosis and PCOS offers valuable resources. Furthermore, for those exploring options for conception, this is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, PBS has a golden opportunity to expand its educational programming to include practical life lessons that prepare children for the realities of life beyond academic knowledge. These lessons could help them navigate social interactions and responsibilities effectively.