In our house, there is usually always a tv on or music playing. I can’t concentrate in the silence. I know that there is constantly talk about whether or not kids should watch tv. This isn’t a post to debate that. I am not one of those moms that never lets my child watch tv. Let’s be honest here, sometimes I need a break or need to get dressed or just want 5 minutes by myself to use the bathroom and scroll on my phone. I do try to find shows that are at least a little educational or will teach critical thinking that she will also actually like and pay attention to. When I first started putting programs on tv for her, I didn’t really know where to start with finding something for her to watch. I started with the big channels PBS and Disney and then started choosing some programs from there. Some she didn’t care for as much, others she loves! Before I knew it, she was following along, responding to questions the characters would ask and singing along to the songs. So I wanted to share our top children’s TV shows for the 12-18 month range.
1 // Sesame Street // this is such a classic! I love that my daughter can watch a show that I watched as a kid! It still teaches letters, counting and being nice to your friends, just like it did 30 years ago!
2 // Wild Kratts // a client of mine told me about this show and Elliott loves it! It is two friends who travel around the world teaching kids about animals and the environment. It is such a cute show and it is actually one that I don’t mind watching over and over again!
3 // Mickey Mouse Clubhouse // when I was a nanny, the kids I used to watch loved this show. It definitely hasn’t changed and Elliott loves it too! It’s such a fun show and teaches kids critical thinking, which I love. There is nothing better than when you kid starts answering the questions correctly too! There is something so classic about mickey and I’m a total Disney mom so this is a good one in our house!
4 // Puppy Dog Pals // this is a new one and we actually found it through an ad through our Roku (so your adverts are working Disney!). I’m such a huge disney mom so I definitely had to check it out! Plus, Elliott loves pets so we thought we’d try this one out and it has become a new favorite! Such a cute little show that keeps her entertained!
5 // Daniel Tiger // I love the adorable little life lessons that this show teaches. It’s another one of those shows that I don’t mind watching over and over. It has cute little sing-songy rhymes for each of the lessons which actually help me to remind Elliott of them, like remembering to wash your hands now that we are potty training!
6 // The Wiggles // Along with Sesame Street, this was one of the very first shows that Elliott watched. I have no idea how we found this show but its got some great songs and teaches basic counting and letters.
7 // Thomas the Train // Elliott has a cute little Thomas book that she loves so we tried out the show and it was another success! This one has great songs and teaches good lessons too!
8 // Little Baby Bum // This show is our secret weapon. Another mama friend of mine told me about it (thanks Catherine!) and it is seriously like baby crack. It is little animation to go along with nursery rhymes. Elliott knows so many of the songs and even knows which one is coming just from the first few notes. I save this show for when I really need her to be entertained and sit still, like when I have to get ready in the morning and Chris is already gone or when we are on a long car ride. If your little one hasn’t seen this yet, you have got to try it out!
So tell me, what shows does your little one like?