Watch These Reality Shows With Your Kids
This is what media experts are now telling parents: if your child is going to watch TV, you should mostly watch it with them. The American Academy of Pediatric Academy guidelines emphasize “participatory participation”.
I understand, I understand. But dude, this is cruel to your parents. I am not and do not want to be an interested viewer of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic or most of the other kids that show my 5-year-old daughter being devoured. I figured out that the only way to do it (sensibly) is to find new content.
While browsing Netflix recently, I came across The Great British Baking Show . I thought this might be something for me and my child – we’ve always loved cooking videos. It turned out to be a hit. Huddled together on the couch, we watched amateur bakers experience triumph as they baked a batch of lemon and thyme mini pies to perfection, and the agony of smelling something burning. All the while, we oooo -ed and awwww -ed on the skills of the contestants and chatted about who we thought we should win.
I realized that reality TV can be a great TV series for kids and parents. Today’s reality shows are no longer limited to the premises of semi-nude couples thrown into temptation on the island, they are charmingly rewarding and full of life lessons. Children can learn how to do things, root for losers, and watch people help each other in their most vulnerable moments.
I asked the members of the Facebook group Offspring what reality shows and contests they watch with their kids. They shared some of their favorites:
American Ninja Warrior
Why it’s great for kids: Reality competition featuring one of the world’s toughest obstacle courses is a thrill for kids because, as a dad named Jacob explains, “It’s a lot of action, the narrative structure is pretty short and easy to follow. contestants usually make characters inspiring. ” (That’s true. My neighbor’s seven-year-old daughter played Jesse Graff on Halloween.) Even when the members don’t achieve their goals, they usually show up on camera smiling and discussing the attempt again. The emphasis is on the importance of support networks, which I like.
Parent Tip: Remind the kids not to try these tricks in their living room (unless you like it).
Watch it on NBC or search for clips on YouTube
Hunter House Renovation
Why it’s great for kids: It allows them to get creative and think about their dream home. A dad named Grant writes, “The renovation of the hunter’s homes really pushed my 5-year-old to design. Now she is “playing” by offering me and my wife options for kitchen paint and tiles. “
Parenting tip: Give your child a drawing pad for inspiration.
Watch it on HGTV or Hulu
Children’s baking championship
Why it’s great for kids: In this dessert baking challenge, the young contestants are mature, talented and … cool . It’s nice to see the kids away from the screens and so dedicated to their work. (What kind of 10-year-olds do eclairs from scratch? These do.) Plus, they are really kind to each other – there is no worthlessness or selfishness in them. Judges Duff Goldman and Valerie Bertinelli are encouraging but not afraid to provide constructive criticism. Children learn that there is always room for improvement.
Parent Tip: Check out the “Kids Baking Instructions” on the show’s website. Your aspiring bakers may learn to make ice cream sandwiches or puff pastry swans.
Watch this: Food Network
No face
Why it’s great for kids: If your kids love monsters, aliens, and witches, they’ll probably love Face Off , a show where special effects makeup artists bring these creatures to life. They will be fascinated by the way the participants select materials, pour them into plaster, stick them to a person, and then paint them with intricate details.
Parenting tip: Some dentures are pretty intimidating. Do not watch it with young children before bed.
Look at: Syfy
Strange eye
Why it’s great for kids: For older kids and teens, a Netflix reboot can inspire some serious conversations, such as how to identify with the world and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Who knows? Perhaps this will inspire your teens to use more shower gel.
Parenting tip: Be aware that crane bombs happen from time to time on the show.
Watch it on Netflix