A Tribute to Our Kids’ TV Favorites
Thank Goodness for Peppa Pig
by Jamie Thompson
March 8, 2022
In early March 2020, while hurriedly entering the house to tend to my sick 3-year-old, I stumbled in my driveway and severely twisted my ankle. After a visit to urgent care, my toddler and I found ourselves glued to the couch the next day, engrossed in Peppa Pig.
As I watched Mummy Pig parachute out of a plane to fundraise for a new school roof—something that made no sense—I wondered how much more of Peppa’s increasingly absurd escapades I could endure. Fast forward just a few weeks into lockdown, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that little animated pig.
Millennial parents often wrestle with screen time, given that many of us grew up watching plenty of television ourselves, complete with commercials. The rise of screens in our lives has sparked debates over appropriate screen time, which became irrelevant once lockdowns hit. One parenting expert even issued a public apology in The New York Times for ever making parents feel guilty about screen time.
Yet when I think of my child’s favorite shows, I feel gratitude rather than guilt. I wouldn’t have survived lockdown without Peppa, Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, Stinky and Dirty, and the Frozen movies.
Lockdown prompted me to reassess these cartoons, and I’ve grown to appreciate them for what they are: heartfelt storytelling. Kudos to the Kratt Brothers for their entertaining wildlife education and to the creative minds behind the quirky puppet show featuring “Donkey Hodie” and his friend, “Purple Panda.” Hats off to the entire Encanto team—please keep creating!
You might call it Stockholm Syndrome, and you wouldn’t be wrong. For weeks, Peppa was my child’s constant companion, and the theme song became a fixture in my mind, likely to linger there forever. I can’t even begin to describe my feelings about Paw Patrol and PJ Masks.
Of course, there are things I dislike. Peppa is often perceived as bratty, and I really can’t stand the way Daddy Pig’s tummy is portrayed. The endless array of gadgets in Paw Patrol feels like a blatant ploy to sell toys, and I often question how Adventure Bay manages its funding. I still cringe at the bizarre days of Little Baby Bum.
But there’s so much to love, too. As I finish this draft, I can hear Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures in the background, a fresh series where Barbie inexplicably becomes a vlogger. In one episode, she becomes Mayor Barbie and tackles a huge threat to her town with the help of Scientist Barbie, Engineer Barbie, and Dance Barbie. My now-5-year-old didn’t quite grasp it, but I found it hilarious. The creators clearly know that parents are watching too, as evidenced by the “glitter containment incident” episode, which always makes me chuckle when I find stray glitter.
I’ve also taken a liking to Marvel Rising, featuring young superheroes in Jersey City. Sometimes, I’m tempted to binge-watch the series myself instead of just catching snippets based on my child’s whims. I look forward to the day when I can chat with friends about Squirrel Girl over drinks, even if it means arguing with a preschooler about what to watch on pizza night. I’m eager to introduce her to Bluey—a show that parents rave about like it’s a must-see drama—yet she seems indifferent!
Part of me wishes I could be one of those endlessly creative moms, always coming up with arts and crafts. But let’s be realistic—no one can maintain that kind of energy. Sometimes, I just need to shower or catch up on work during a snowstorm. Other times, I crave a peaceful Saturday morning to sip coffee while scrolling through news, or a couple of hours to read in another room with one ear tuned to potential chaos. And honestly, it’s often shows like Barbie’s Dreamhouse Adventures that make these moments possible. Are they educational? Not really. Do I care? Not at all! Sometimes, it’s simply nice to lounge on the couch and enjoy some lighthearted humor.
Jamie Thompson is the editor at Home Insemination Kit, where she curates engaging content. She previously worked with a variety of online publications, focusing on parenting and lifestyle topics. Jamie hails from a small town in the Midwest and has a special interest in home insemination methods. Want more insights? Check out this related post here. For expert advice, visit Intracervical Insemination, and for informative articles, News Medical is an excellent resource.
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In summary, the experiences of navigating the world of children’s television during lockdown brought about a newfound appreciation for these shows. They offered moments of joy and relief amidst the chaos, proving valuable for both parents and children alike.