Before I get into this post, I want to start by saying you are a GOOD mom. Ignore all the propaganda and fear-mongering surrounding the use of screen time coming in hot in your direction.
How you do or do not use television (or screens in general) in your home is your business and you will get zero judgement from me.
That being said, I do believe that not all shows and content are created equal. Speaking from experience, certain shows rile up my dynamic duo and incite more negative behaviors than others.
I compiled a list of our favorite not-so-stimulating, antagonist free, positive content shows. Additionally, I included a handful of shows we also enjoy in much smaller doses and with more moderation (meaning parents watch first for content).
Without further ado and in no particular order…
GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU
I know I just said “in no particular order” but I have to confess, this one is my personal favorite.
Based on the book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, this show is full of beautiful imagery and lovely messaging about friendship and love.
Episodes are just under 10 minutes which is perfect for little ones’ attention spans.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD
This one is as much nostalgia for me as it is just genuine, positive, smart television. Based on the puppet characters in the Land Of Make Believe from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, the content is wholesome, graphics are simple, and themes are easy to follow with a great message.
Episodes are two 12(ish) minute halves. which carry the theme through both.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE
Another book-based show that nailed it BIG time. All your favorite If You Give A friends are here to share fun stories of friendship and overcoming obstacles together. Simple illustrations make for an easy watch.
Episodes are the standard two part 30 minute time slot.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
LITTLE EINSTEINS
If you want to expose your little ones to classical music and historical art all the while being entertained by a storyline offering a challenge to overcome by teamwork, then this one is for you. Minimal graphics and a slow pace make for an easy watch.
Episodes are a full 30 minutes.
Where To Watch: Disney+
PUFFIN ROCK
This is the cutest Irish animated show out there. It’s narrated which helps bring context to what’s happening on screen and helps walk you through problem solving.
Episodes are 22 minutes long but broken up into 3 parts.
Where To Watch: Netflix
LITTLE BEAR
If you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of shows based on books. Little Bear offers slow moving themes, gorgeous illustrations, and wonderful messages.
Episodes are 24 minutes long and divided into 3 small stories.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
TRASH TRUCK
Can a little boy, a trash truck, a bear, a racoon, and a rat be friends? Absolutely! They also go on adventures! Slow-paced with wholesome stories of friendship and imagination.
Episodes are roughly 13 minutes.
Where To Watch: Netflix
TUMBLE LEAF
Claymation at it’s low stimulating finest. Fig the Fox goes on adventures in his whimsical world figuring out how items discovered in the “finding place” are used. Problem solving, friendship, and imagination combined.
Episodes are 24 minutes long consisting of two halves.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS
That’s right, mama, this IS the same thing they would put on when they wheeled out the box tv on the rolling cart. Educational magical adventures never grow old and prove science can be fun.
Episodes are 24 minutes.
Where To Watch: Netflix
OCTONAUTS
Above water animals help underwater sea creatures all the while teaching about said sea creature. Adventure, problem solving, science, cute animals, what’s not to love?
Episodes 24 minutes in two parts.
Where To Watch: Netflix
DINOSAUR TRAIN
Using a train to travel through “time tunnels” this show explores everything dinosaur. It teaches actual facts about lesser known dinos while also weaving in some imagination and fun (a t-rex lives with a family of pteranadons).
Episodes run 30 minutes in 2 parts.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
LLAMA LLAMA
Based on the books by Anna Dewdney, Llama and his friends navigate problems and have adventures. Mama Llama is also always there to lend a hand or offer guidance.
Episodes are 24 minutes in 2 part.
Where To Watch: Netflix
DOC MCSTUFFINS
We have Toy Story where the toys come alive when no one is looking but what if they could come alive to play WITH you? Doc McStuffins has a magic stethoscope and toy clinic where she cares for toys. Of course lessons are learned along the way.
Episodes are 24 minutes in 2 parts.
Where To Watch: Disney+
BLUEY
Essentially this generation’s gold standard of kids’ television, parents are equally as excited for new episode releases. Seamlessly illustrating both kid and adult themes throughout, it’s a must watch for the whole family.
You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn some new parenting techniques all the while your tots are learning life lessons while also being entertained.
Episodes are 7 minutes long from theme song to final credit.
Where To Watch: Disney+
HONORABLE MENTIONS WE LIKE BUT LIMIT
These shows entertain and overall are an okay watch for content. Because they are faster-paced and have an antagonist conflict, I’ve noticed my boys get more excited while watching. They also tend to lean into more “bad guy” play and behaviors causing conflict between themselves.
PAW PATROL
A group of pups, each with individual strengths, help to rescue or solve problems for their friends in Adventure Bay. There’s also the trouble-maker mayor of Foggy Bottom always up to something.
Episodes are 24 minutes in 2 parts.
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
SUPER KITTIES
Four brave, smart, strong, and kind kitties work to keep their city safe becoming superheroes to thwart bad guys like Mr. Puppy Paws or Cat Burglar.
Episodes are 24 minutes in 2 parts.
Where To Watch: Disney+
SPIDEY & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS
A younger version of the Marvel Universe follows 3 friends: Spidey, Spin, and Ghost Spider along with fellow superheroes Hulk and Ms. Marvel as they attempt to keep the baddies like Doc Ock, Rhino, or Green Goblin from causing trouble.
Episodes are 24 minutes in 2 parts.
Where To Watch: Disney+
PJ MASKS
Friends Connor, Greg, and Amaya don their pajamas to become Cat Boy, Gekko, and Owlet and keep the city safe from nefarious characters.
Episodes are 24 minutes in 2 parts.
Where To Watch: Disney+
I’m a firm believer that television is NOT the enemy. Like anything, too much of good thing can be bad so we limit the amount of tv that’s consumed regularly.
I focus on quality of content and observe my kids’ behavior when deciding what’s an approved show.
Additionally, I pay attention to the themes and messages presented to ensure they align with our family values.
What are some of your favorite shows?
