Welcome to Confessions of a TV Mom

At age two, my son has done lots of things many might not think are "appropriate" for a toddler. He has attended two live concerts: Ben Folds and The Imagination Movers. He has gone camping in a tent. He has eaten peanut butter and honey. He has pets. He's had soda pop (although, to be fair, that was not my doing initially). He has been to the movies (and seen things rated PG13). He eats pizza and candy and chocolate, and loves every bite.

My worst parenting transgression of all? Television. He has watched almost every program that is out there for preschoolers. Nick Jr., PBS, Sprout, Hub, Playhouse Disney (now Disney Junior)... you name it, he's seen it. And just like any other human, he has preferences. Preferences that change almost monthly, but preferences nonetheless.

This blog is going to be a different kind of "mommy blog". I'm not here to judge parents for their choices, and I hope you feel the same way. Everyone does what is best for their own family. Period. However, for those parents that are looking for guidance on children's programming from the point of view of one of their own, I intend to provide that insight. I've seen a LOT of kids programming in the last two years. Some of it I didn't even know existed until we left the television on a certain channel longer than we usually did. Some shows are better than others, some more educational than others, and some achieve their lessons in more entertaining ways than others. I'm here to break it down for you. I will tell you how I enjoy the shows as a hapless bystander. I will tell you how my son enjoys the shows as a member of the demographic.

I will also admit that there are some shows out there that I like better than my son does. Sad though that is. There are some he adores that I would rather dig my eyes out with a rusty spoon rather than watch with him.

As I build the library of various kids shows out there, I will do my best to organize them by channel provider (as it stands here in the US, from where I am writing) and recommended age level. Some shows are shown on multiple channels and different time slots, and I will do my best to indicate that wherever necessary.

I'm also not a doctor, psychiatrist, or early childhood expert of any kind. I can't tell you which shows will make your kid smarter, nicer, or a more productive member of society. I also can't tell you which shows will make your kids fatter, lazier, dumber, or more obnoxious. So, take what I say with those grains of salt in your pocket, and we'll all be happier for it.

Thanks for reading and I hope feel that my posts are both entertaining and informative.