Family

Children's Programming/Video

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently published recommendations that children sharply limit the total time they spend in front of a TV screen.  While reducing TV time for children should be an objective for all families, there is something to be gained from high quality children's programming in the correct dosage.  The ratings below, which include our reviewers' (who are pediatricians and moms) favorite series, can help parents to make informed decisions.  While there is considerable variability in quality and influence among childrens' shows,  the Center for Media education reports that only 10% of children's viewing time is spent watching programs intended for children, perhaps a trend we can change by letting kids see their shows... and joining them!

 We will be updating this list.

Series/ Character

Overall Rating

Reviews

(Innocence level: 10 is most innocent, 0 is least innocent)

Best Examples

(Click for more details, or if you wish to purchase video from Amazon.com)

Arthur 9.5 Realistic family scenarios revolving around sibling/sibling interactions.  Meaningful stories to schoolage children and younger as well.  Nicely done. Innocence level: 9
Arthur's Family Vacation
Arthur's Baby
Arthur's Lost Library Book
Arthur's Pet Business
Arthur's Eyes
Arthur's New Puppy
Land Before Time 9.4 Pleasant, entertaining stories about children dinosaur friends.  Some frightening parts, but consistent and well done.  Maternal death in episode one. Innocence level: 7
Land Before Time I
II: Great Valley Adventure
III: Time of the Great Giving
IV: Journey Through the Mists
V: Mysterious Island
VI: Secret of Saurus Rock
Richard Scarry 9.4 Nicely done.  Cartoon animal friends.  Simple in presentation, no fancy effects, but educationally high quality.  Innocence level:  10
Best Learning Songs Video Ever
Best Counting Video Ever
Best ABC's Video Ever
Best Busy People Video
Best Silly Stories and Songs
Best Sing-Along Mother Goose
Winnie the Pooh 9.0 Classic Winnie the Poohs are top quality and entertaining. Most actually Disney (below in table), but we believe Pooh deserved its own category.  Innocence level: 10
Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too
Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree
Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day
Barney 8.5 Innocuous schoolyard adventures. Innocence level: 8  
Wishbone 8.4 Innocence level: 9  
Peanuts 8.4 Innocence level: 9  
Dr. Suess 8.4 Classics, Dr. Suess has a uniquely entertaining  use of language.  Often the story is a statement on society that may or may not go unnoticed by children.  Some videos, especially remakes, are just narrated still pictures and not true animation, so be sure you know what you are purchasing.  Innocence level: 8
The Cat In The Hat
Green Eggs and Ham
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Are You My Mother?
Disney 8.0 High quality production.  Some stories involve examples of treachery/divisive behavior. Popular, but be cautious about selection for young children. The ones listed are considered less frightening and considered more appropriate for young children. Innocence level: 3-10
Teletubbies 8.0 Innocence level: 10  
Blues Clues 7.8    
Pokemon 7.4    
Muppets 7.4    
Little Bear 7.0