Kids Shows

What exactly catches the eyes and the attention of children when it comes to tv shows? My son stops everything he's doing when a certain show of "The Backyardigans" comes on (Castaways) and cracks up over "Charlie and Lola" throwing apples in an orchard. While "The Backyardigans" is bright on colorful, full of music and cheezy acting, "Charlie and Lola" is a low pastels colored, brother and sister relationship that shows their adventures together as children.

Who knows what's going on in those big brains of theirs. My son loves it when I can sing along with the songs, and dance like monkeys in the living room. Maybe it's the interaction with me that he remembers?

A new show came out, called "Yo, Gabba Gabba". It's definitely bright colored, musical and repetitive. The stiff puppet like, yet lovable monsters go over simple daily things like eating and dancing...who couldn't love a show about those things?!?! The young black man wearing bright orange clothing, too include a very fuzzy orange puff thing on his head, and glow in the dark white teeth can be disconcerting to a parent like me, raised on Howdy Doody and Captain Kangaroo. Would kids these days be enthralled by Mr. Greenjeans?

At least my favorite lil mouse is still in the picture...."Mickey Mouse Club House".....is NOT the club house you remember from the days of Annette and themed days of the week, such as Wednesdays are surprise days...no, we have a rough and basic computer generated 2o minute show that teaches simple concepts as shapes, colors and counting. My favorite part as a parent, is to look out for the hidden mickeys in the animation. :) JC's favorite part is when they sing.."hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog, we''ve got ears, it's time for cheers."

Gone are the days of black and white and simple cartooning. Obviously we were deprived of such awesome programming as children and we're building a super empire of colorful children who can sing a song about any problem and yell "cheers!" when they solve a problem. More power to them!