FEATURE: The top 10 Aussie kids’ shows and how they’re affecting your child

 

DAY two of the 31 Days To Build A Better Blog challenge? Write a list post. So here goes…

BEFORE children we vowed our kids would not be subjected to The Wiggles or Hi-5.

Within six months of Princess Ella being born, that went out the window – along with “we will not let them eat chocolate’’ and “we will not take them grocery shopping’’.

While books and craft take precedence in our household, there’s always time for a li’l TV each day.

Here’s 10 of our top Aussie kids’ shows and how they’re affecting our children (not to mention doing a mother’s head in):

1. Playschool – Watch for puzzled looks on children’s faces. While we wondered why our parents were laughing at John Hamblin’s adult humour all those years ago, now our children are wondering what’s so funny about Rhys Muldoon. “Ah, nothing, darling’’.
2. The Wiggles – These four skivvy-clad men have taught children that it’s OK to scream “wake up Jeff’’ to a sleeping baby. Sheesh!
3. Dorothy The Dinosaur – Children are learning to sing opera and dance ballet. However, as you’ll see in the YouTube video, it’s also creating divas who like to hog the spotlight.
4. Hi-5 – Similar to Dorothy, this one has taught them when Teddy Bear or Monster Dance comes on, Mum is not to sing the lead, only back-up vocals.
5. Magical Tales – Just because Sparkles and William can say “Spellaroo’’ and the Star House is cleaned up instantly, doesn’t mean it will work in real life. After attempting this one three times, it resulted in a very disappointed preschooler.
6. The Fairies – Children must have a fairy dress, shoes and wand with them to be able to dance properly. If they can’t find their fairy dress, all hell breaks loose.
7. The Kingdom of Paramithi – “Every day is a special day’’, except on days when you throw a killer tantrum. And mum doesn’t respond to: “Genevieve? Can you do a dance for me?’’ while twirling your finger.
8. Toy Box – Has learnt a new way to sing the alphabet that’s far more annoying than the time-honoured version. It also means now that “T’’ is our favourite letter.
   

   Ella and Kellie during a meet and greet with Dorothy in 2008

9. Zigby – Just because you can hear Playschool favourite Justine Clarke singing, doesn’t mean you can see her. “Quick mum, it’s Justine.’’ Runs from the kitchen to the lounge. “Oh, where’s Justine?’’ Yes, sorry, just a stupid zebra (once known as a stripy horse).
10. Bindi The Jungle Girl – Teaching our children it’s OK to pick up snakes, spiders, rats … oh, and crocodiles. A real education.

So, what shows do your children watch? And, more importantly, what are they learning?