The A.V. Club has a series on children’s television, with three posts of suggestions for shows that parents can enjoy along with children, for Pre-kindergarteners, kindergarten through first grade, and 2nd-3rd grade, with eight shows on each list. And then there’s the big finale: 8 kids’ shows to avoid at all costs. I can’t say I disagree with their rankings. The Disney Channel in particular.
If your previously polite child suddenly turns into a disrespectful smart aleck, check your Disney level. Studies have shown (based on an informal survey among The A.V. Club’s immediate circle of parent friends) that Disney-sitcom viewings can result in a rise in attitudinal behavior as your kids mimic what they see on the screen. An overarching element of all these shows is an idiot adult figure that the kids feel free to make fun of, usually in a servile or authority position like doorman or manager. We pin the start of this juvenile downfall to The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody, a grating pair of twins who ran roughshod over an entire luxury hotel (and later a cruise ship with The Suite Life On Deck).
What shows did you most enjoy watching with your children? Which ones rubbed you the wrong way? -via Metafilter
Also Dora the Explorer is on their hate list, but it's a great show because it is interactive. Dora asks your kid to pay attention, listen, and respond. This sort of analysis of what they are seeing is an advanced concept that kids need to learn early. Also unlike almost every show of it's type, Dora actually has fairly slow pacing and long pauses so the kids can actually interact. It might be annoying in spots, but it is also brilliant.