A Tribute to Our Kids’ Favorite Shows
Thank goodness for Peppa Pig.
by Jenna Thompson
March 8, 2022
In early March 2020, I was frantically heading home to care for my sick 3-year-old when I took a tumble in my driveway, twisting my ankle badly. After a trip to urgent care, my little one and I found ourselves on the couch the next day, glued to Peppa Pig.
As I watched an episode where Mummy Pig inexplicably parachutes out of a plane to fundraise for a new school roof, I thought, “How much more of Peppa’s absurd escapades can I endure?” Fast forward a few weeks into lockdown, and I couldn’t have been more grateful for that animated little pig.
Many millennial parents have a conflicted view of screen time, especially since we grew up immersed in television (and yes, commercials). Screens are everywhere, popping up like mushrooms after rain. This has led to debates over screen-time limits, which were quickly dismissed once lockdowns started. One parenting expert, who had previously stressed the importance of moderation, even issued an apology in The New York Times to those she may have made feel guilty.
Yet, when I think about my child’s favorite shows, I feel not guilt, but deep appreciation. I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have made it through lockdown without Peppa, Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, Stinky and Dirty, and the Frozen movies.
Lockdown sparked a reevaluation of the cartoons my child watched, and I’ve grown to love them on their own merits. Kudos to the Kratt Brothers for their wholesome animal adventures, and hats off to the creative minds behind “Donkey Hodie,” a puppet show featuring a character who lives in a windmill along with his buddy, “Purple Panda.” And let’s not forget the brilliance of the Encanto team. Please, keep it coming!
Call it Stockholm Syndrome if you will, but Peppa became both my child’s and my constant companion. My memories of lockdown are forever linked to that catchy theme song, which I’m sure you can hear in your head now, much like a nostalgic ice cream truck jingle. The same goes for Paw Patrol, and don’t even get me started on PJ Masks!
Of course, there are things to critique: Peppa is often seen as bratty, and I can’t stand the jokes about Daddy Pig’s belly. The sheer amount of gear in Paw Patrol seems aimed at selling toys, and really, where does Adventure Bay get its funding? And let’s not even talk about the bizarre days of Little Baby Bum.
Yet, there’s so much to enjoy too. Right now, as I finish this draft, I can hear the distant sounds of Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, a recent series where Barbie inexplicably becomes a vlogger. Who better to babysit than a doll known for having countless careers? In one episode, Barbie falls asleep and wakes up as Mayor Barbie, needing to collaborate with Scientist Barbie, Engineer Barbie, and Dance Barbie. My 5-year-old didn’t quite grasp it, but I found it hilarious. The creators of these shows clearly know that parents sometimes watch along, offering a wink and a nod. I think of the Peppa episode involving a “glitter containment incident” every time I stumble upon stray glitter!
I’ve also been enjoying Marvel Rising, about young superheroes in Jersey City. I find myself tempted to binge the entire series on my own, rather than just watching random episodes with my child. I can already picture myself at a bar chatting about Squirrel Girl with colleagues – a mortifying yet amusing thought. The flip side is that I frequently find myself negotiating with a preschooler about what show to watch on pizza night. I desperately want my child to fall in love with Bluey, a show that parents rave about like it’s the latest must-see drama, but my kid just doesn’t care!
Some days, I wish I could be that endlessly creative mother, overflowing with projects and activities. But let’s be real; that’s a fantasy and an impossible standard. Sometimes I need to shower, or there’s a snowstorm, and I still have to work to keep a roof over our heads. Other times, I just need a quiet hour on a Saturday morning to enjoy my coffee and catch up on the news, or to read a book nearby while keeping one ear open for any potential chaos. And yes, sometimes it’s Barbie’s Dreamhouse Adventures that gives me that much-needed breather. Is it educational? Not really. But does it matter? Not to me! Sometimes it’s just nice to sit back and chuckle at the silly jokes.
Jenna Thompson is the executive editor at Home Insemination Kit, where she commissions freelance content. If you have a story to share, she would love to hear from you! Previously, Jenna worked at a popular online publication focusing on lifestyle topics. Growing up in a small town, she often wonders about the world-building in shows like Paw Patrol.
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In summary, my child’s cartoons were vital in navigating the challenges of lockdown. Instead of feeling guilty about screen time, I’ve learned to appreciate these shows for the joy and laughter they bring into our lives. Whether it’s Peppa Pig or Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, these programs have allowed for moments of respite amidst the chaos of parenting.
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