One of the hardest things to get excited about is when my children ask me to watch TV with them. It’s really difficult to sincerely enjoy the shows and cartoons catered to 7, 5, and 3-year-olds. I try to avoid it at all cost if I can.
Lately though, I have found two children’s shows that even I can’t get enough of. Both animated. One from Australia. The other from France. Both so adorable, sweet, funny, and genuinely easy to enjoy even as adults.
Forgive me if I sound like an infomercial now, but my children have started playing better with each other because of what they have seen on these shows, and I have gained some spot-on parenting advice and reminders that have made all of us very happy around here.
Bluey
According to Wikipedia,
“… The show follows Bluey, an anthropomorphic six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy who is characterized by her abundance of energy, imagination and curiosity of the world. The young dog lives with her father, Bandit; mother, Chilli; and younger sister, Bingo, who regularly joins Bluey on adventures as the pair embark on imaginative play together. Other characters featured each represent a different dog breed. Overarching themes include the focus on family, growing up and Australian culture. The program was created and produced in Queensland; its capital city inspires the show’s setting.“
Bluey was originally produced in Australia by Ludo Studio and has won several awards. It premiered on ABC Kids in 2018, but these days can be found on Disney+ and YouTubeTV. I personally love to watch the parents and how they deal with their children’s vast imagination and energy.
Simon
We first discovered Simon on Netflix which is where it still resides. Made in France, it has very distinct French characteristics in not just how the characters dress, but how they behave and solve problems. According to Simon-TV.com …
“Simon’s this super energetic, super charismatic and mega-mischievous little rabbit we know and love! SIMON is also SUPER RABBIT! His character and his values are more apparent than ever: joy of living, modern family life, positive education, brotherhood, friendship, playing, competition and fair play, a sense of wonder and respect for Nature, and curiosity about everything! Simon’s life is often bright and sunny; sometimes there are rainclouds in the sky. But whatever happens, you know that with SIMON, “there’s always sunshine after the rain!”
What I love about this show is the sibling relationship and how it resembles the realistic problems I notice my children dealing with often. And that Simon’s little brother’s name is Gaspard.
So there, in case you are looking for a new children’s show to add to your viewing schedule, these two are solid choices. And of course, you don’t have to sit next to them when they are on; by all means, do your thing, but don’t be surprised if you can’t resist the cuteness and laughs.
What are some of your favorite shows to watch with your kids?
