Why I Would Be Daniel Tiger's Neighbour

Other than Back-to-School, fall can often signify the return of our favourite television shows AND the introduction of potential new favourites.

Although I am very excited for How I Met Your Mother to return (can't wait to see how the gang deals with Marvin Wait For It Eriksen), it's a children's show that has quickly become my new favourite.

Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhod is the most amazing children's show I've seen in awhile.

When I was little I LOVED Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, especially the town of Make-Believe, so I had a hunch I'd enjoy this show. Even if it is aimed at preschoolers.

Image: http://www.pbs.org/parents/daniel/about/

The official website describes the show as a new animated program for preschoolers ages 2 to 4 which builds on the pioneering PBS series, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. This new series, for a new generation of children, tells its engaging stories about the life of a preschooler using musical strategies grounded in Fred Rogers’ landmark social-emotional curriculum. Through imagination, creativity and music, Daniel and his friends learn the key social skills necessary for school and for life.

The tunes are catchy - and teach important lessons, such as "When something seems bad, turn it around and find something good," (check out the YouTube video below when Daniel is disappointed with his mushy birthday cake), "Friends just like to play with you," and "Grown ups always come back."

I know I can't resist the opening when Daniel sings "It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, a beautiful day for a neighbour. Would you be mine, could you be mine, won't you be my neighbour?"

I really wish Hannah and I could be his neighbours and let trolley drive us to all the fun, informative adventures Daniel has.

Daniel Tiger is cute and humble. Not annoying like Calliou. Daniel Tiger's friends and family are also beyond bearable.

I will be tuning in when I can. And am crossing my fingers this series comes out on DVD or BluRay so that when Hannah is old enough to learn from it, she can.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood can be seen weekdays on PBS.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Confessions of A Cartoon Hater

I think I may have become too invested in children's television shows.

A couple of days ago Hannah was really into an episode of "Sid the Science Kid!" I'd like to think it's because Sid wears a red shirt and her favourite colour (and one she can see most clearly) is red. Or that day she was just really, really excited that Mommy decided to Swiffer the floors.

For those of you who are not familiar, Sid is a preschooler who asks a lot of scientific questions.  Sid lives with his baby brother and his parents, and often his grandma picks him up from preschool and is also featured on the show (she's great for "scientific flashbacks" which allow for showcasing the evolution of science and technology if needed). At preschool, teacher Susie has four students - Sid, Gabriela, May and Gerald. (If there seriously was a preschool like this, the waiting list would be so long you would have to put your children on it when you yourself were a child).

The show produced by the good folks at the Jim Henson Company and is computer generated.

An episode always begins with Sid wondering something (Where does garbage go? Why can I see the moon during the day?, etc.), and then figuring out the answer at school with the help of his friends.

Overall, I really like this show and am happy Hannah is a fan. I just hope she's not a fan of Sid's friend Gerald.

I really, REALLY dislike Gerald. I didn't realize my level of hatred until one day I was watching (yes, Hannah was taking a morning nap and I still tuned in), and the episode began with Sid's Dad telling him that Gerald was coming over for a camp out in their backyard. I could not handle a whole episode of Gerald. So yes, hate is a strong word folks, but if it makes you change the channel or turn off the TV I think it's warranted.

So why do I hate Gerald, someone who is part of a show that teaches toddlers the fun of science?

He's certainly not creepy like Mr. Noodle on Elmo's World. (I shudder whenever that mustache makes Hannah giggle...)

Gerald is attention seeking, lame and fails to realize none of his classmates enjoy his sense of humour. You just know he's one of those kids who is going to grow up to be a jerk. I can see him, 20 years from now, in a club with a popped collar, too much hair gel, grinding on the ladies from behind. While Sid, our knight in red armour, will introduce himself, politely ask for a dance and beg forgiveness for his acquaintance with Gerald.

When you type "Gerald Sid the Science Kid" into Google, the second thing that automatically pops up to help you search is "Gerald Sid the Science Kid Retarded". I'm not condoning the use of this word (towards Gerald and otherwise) but it seems to me like others question his behaviour too.

Wikipedia describes him as "Sid's airhead, vivacious good friend." Airhead? Definitely, yes.

Overall, even though Gerald is a main character, this Mom will continue to watch. The catchy dance moves and earworm songs are too good to pass up. And yes, of course, the science lessons too.

Sid the Science Kid! is an awesome show and deserves more viewers. Therefore my rant has good intentions and hopefully will be of some use to you, dear reader.

You can watch Sid the Science Kid on PBS and TVO.

And then, after you become as invested as me, you can join my "We hate Gerald!" Club. (No pressure.)