One of my favourite things to do is cuddle up with the kids and watch a show that we all love, and that we can discuss, or just enjoy for the fun of it. My daughter and I are big fans of the Ever After High series and I can’t decide if it’s because I enjoy the story line, or if it’s because I enjoy the time that we spend watching together (I would hedge a bet that the latter is definitely the top reason.)
There are shows that appeal to a lot of our emotions. Media plays a role in learning about empathy according to Common Sense Media (my go-to spot when I want to learn more about shows, movies and games that my kids want to watch). So if that’s the case, it means there are plenty of discussion opportunities in between bites of popcorn while we binge watch our favourite series. Netflix put together this fun graphic with some show examples (my daughter would recommend the Home show!)
I have experience with TV being a conduit for important discussions. It was during an episode of Arthur that I talked to my then nearly-3 year old about his father’s cancer diagnosis. The episode featured a character with cancer and how she was losing her hair (something that Andy was about to go through.) I really appreciated the show in that moment, because I really wasn’t sure how to explain things well. It was quite the experience. And it went really well. TV isn’t always about brainless viewing. There are some really important messages that can come along with it. As parents, we need to sometimes identify those opportunities, and seize them.
Do you have a favourite that you are watching with your kids? Is it leading to more conversations?
Disclosure: I am part of the Netflix Stream team and receive special perks as part of that program. All opinions are my own
