This tale was initially released on December 18, 2019. I’ve added some extra recommendations to keep you entertained during your extended summer breaks or car journeys.
Modern parents now possess greater authority to select their children’s TV content, boasting an abundance of choices beyond merely eliminating problematic shows. However, they lack the ample time needed to sift through the vast sea of children’s programming in search of quality content. Recognizing this challenge, we endeavored to help, employing the discerning taste of Vulture’s critics and contributors to uncover top-tier programming for young kids (primarily aged 3 to 7, with some special mentions for older children). These shows are engaging enough to foster a mutual television interest, and they certainly provide suitable entertainment options for those extended car journeys.
Shows are listed by episode length.
Molang
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube
Episode length: 2–5 minutes
The dynamic duo of ‘Big Pal’ and ‘Little Buddy’ is one of my favorite storylines. This delightful cartoon series takes us on colorful journeys starring a bunny named Molang and a yellow chick named Piu Piu. It’s amazing how much suspense can be created in these brief, self-contained episodes. The joy you get when this lovable pair overcomes challenges – from conquering a towering hill on their bikes to navigating the ocean with a lost map – is indescribable.
Jennifer Zhan describes “Molang” as a French series, originating from a Korean character, yet lacking in intelligible dialogue beyond the main characters’ names. It seems to stimulate children’s imagination by presenting gibberish instead, encouraging them to interpret body language and contextual clues. Whether or not it intentionally does so, she finds it adorable and relaxing to watch, comparing its appeal to sensory dance videos with added narrative elements. In other words, while the show may not be traditional in terms of dialogue, it offers a unique, visually engaging experience for young viewers.
How It’s Made
Where to watch: YouTube
Episode length: 4–5 minutes
Kathryn VanArendonk recommends How It’s Made, a TV show that, unlike typical YouTube content, offers little resemblance to native productions. However, for children with engineering interests or those fascinated by the workings of household appliances, these short clips are irresistible. The show provides an informative and calming experience as it depicts the manufacturing processes of everyday items such as doughnuts, pencils, and canned soup. How It’s Made serves as a seemingly endless resource for those who wish to gain new insights into mundane consumer products.
Kathryn VanArendonk suggests the TV show How It’s Made. While it may not be like most YouTube videos, it is fascinating for kids with an interest in engineering or who enjoy learning about how things work around their homes. The show provides interesting and soothing insights into how everyday items are made, from doughnuts to canned soup. How It’s Made offers a great way to learn about common consumer products in a unique manner.
Bluey
Where to watch: Disney+
Episode length: 7 minutes (with one notable exception)
Although it might seem redundant to advocate for Bluey as the leading children’s show of our era, there are still some individuals unaware that this program is not only successful and lucrative but also exceptionally good. It may appear unfair for something so popular and financially successful like Bluey to be an outstanding television production. However, Bluey belongs to the select group of shows that emerge every now and then, capturing the hearts of numerous people – children, parents, and childless adults alike – in various ways and earning widespread adoration. One thing to consider is that if you have a very young toddler, below the age of 3 or even 4, Bluey might not resonate immediately. The fast-paced storytelling, coupled with Australian accents and complex emotional themes, works best for children who can understand language more easily and use their imagination more flexibly. However, don’t worry – Bluey will eventually captivate them as well. It has a knack for appealing to everyone. —K.V.A.
Trash Truck
Where to watch: Netflix
Episode length: 10–17 minutes
In the delightful Netflix animated series titled “truck and boy,” a 6-year-old named Hank develops an extraordinary bond not typically seen between a child and pet, but with his unique companion – a talking garbage truck. Accompanied by Donny the raccoon, Walter the bear, and Ms. Mona the mouse, this group of friends often find themselves in extraordinary adventures, thanks to their imaginative games and challenges.
Despite minimal adult supervision, as Hank’s parents are usually preoccupied, and his grandfather is prone to joining the mischief, these companions transform everyday activities into extraordinary escapades that can even lead to the fantastical – such as Trash Truck diving into the ocean to retrieve a buried treasure or chasing a lizard that transports them back in time to the prehistoric era.
The series is particularly popular among young kids, with my 2-year-old being captivated by “truck and boy.” However, it’s not just the imaginative twists and humorous elements that appeal to children; many parents will appreciate the gentle pace of the series, which is a refreshing alternative to the hectic energy found in other cartoons.
“truck and boy” offers valuable lessons about friendship and appreciating the world around us – even if the vehicle in question enjoys eating trash! —Tolly Wright
Steven Universe
Where to watch: Hulu, Max, Cartoon Network
Episode length: 11 minutes
It’s hard not to notice the resemblance I see between the emotionally charged, multifaceted scene in the movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and the themes presented in “Steven Universe”. “Steven Universe”, a show about a boy who is also a magical gemstone, delves into various aspects such as identity, family drama, action, comedy, and music. It’s a heart-wrenching tale of a boy whose mother, an alien, died prematurely in an intergalactic war. He finds himself torn between his mundane life on Earth and the extraordinary responsibilities of his powerful guardians, the Crystal Gems, who fight monsters and corrupted gems. This show is essentially a coming-of-age story, where Steven grapples with the consequences of his mother’s untimely death.
Originally crafted by Rebecca Sugar, a former team member from “Adventure Time,” who took inspiration from Hayao Miyazaki’s works, this show delivers straightforward yet non-preachy lessons. For instance, one of its earliest famous quotes goes, “If every pork chop were perfect, we wouldn’t have hot dogs.” The primary resolution to conflicts in “Steven Universe” often revolves around empathy, with characters frequently encouraging each other to understand their actions better. Despite its gentle visual style, characterized by pastel colors and floating bubbles, it doesn’t shy away from dealing with heavy topics. Steven’s mother is deceased, his guardians are his mother’s friends, and his father, though human, isn’t always the ideal parent. Yet, he lives, free to love, learn, and grow, which is all that truly matters. —Eric Vilas-Boas
Frog and Toad
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Episode length: Two 11–13-minute segments per episode
Imagine if Bert and Ernie were transplanted into the enchanting world of A.A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood. The Apple TV+ adaptation of Arnold Lobel’s cherished Frog and Toad series seems like a blend of classic children’s programs, which adds to its charm. Each episode rearranges a set of mostly stationary elements: Frog (voiced by Nat Faxon) is affable, similar to Ernie; Toad (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson) is grouchy, much like Bert. Their friendship remains steadfast, despite their contrasting temperaments, and the picturesque forest setting they inhabit teems with a variety of woodland companions such as Aparna Nancherla’s mail-carrying Snail, Selene Luna’s inquisitive Robin, and Tom Kenny’s ice cream–selling Mink.
As expected, each episode involves Frog helping Toad overcome his troubles, Toad expressing apprehension, and their woodland friends playing secondary roles in their escapades. However, what makes the series so delightful is how it seamlessly integrates the moral lessons of each episode with elegance, charm, and a touch of sweetness — for instance, Frog and Toad learning self-restraint by sharing their homemade cookies with their neighbors or Toad finding his lost button by recognizing the shapes and colors of other buttons that his friends discover.
The series subtly avoids exploring how Frog and Toad have become symbols of queer culture, but their friendship is captivating, filled with shared meals, considerate gifts, and all the kinds of caring gestures kids can learn from. Additionally, Toad’s daily “sad time” resonates with many viewers.
—Roxana Hadadi
The Inbestigators
Where to watch: Netflix
Episode length: 13–17 minutes
K.V.A.’s children first watched the Australian series “Inbestigators“, featuring a group of detective elementary school students, when their eldest was approximately 6 years old. As the eldest grew older and the younger daughter reached the appropriate age for the show, they have both revisited the entire series (regrettably, it only spans a few seasons) more than a dozen times. The humor and unpredictability of “Inbestigators” make it appealing without causing fear or surprise, striking that ideal balance reminiscent of characters like “Nancy Drew“, “Encyclopedia Brown“, and the “Boxcar Children“. – K.V.A.
Beat Bugs
Where to watch: Netflix
Episode length: 14–24 minutes
An assortment of lively cartoon insects explore various escapades across an unkempt suburban garden, syncing their adventures with the tunes of Beatles classics. Following contemporary animation trends, well-known artists such as Sia and Eddie Vedder reimagine the numbers with their unique interpretations: Sia takes on “Blackbird,” while Eddie Vedder lends his touch to “The Magical Mystery Tour.
Similar to its predecessors that were like adult jukeboxes, Beat Bugs is a series with a lot of storylines but not always easy to follow; adults often enjoy it for watching the creative gymnastics needed to justify a narrative as peculiar as “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Despite its lack of coherence, the characters are adorable, the humor is witty (humans appear clumsy giants, bug zappers seem mystical threats), and the morals are heartwarming.
In a fresh take, creator Josh Wakely’s second jukebox series, titled “Motown Magic“, leverages Sony’s extensive library of Motown songs to narrate the tale of an 8-year-old residing in Detroit’s inner city. This child discovers hidden worlds behind graffiti on walls. Although it may not be as creatively unique as “Beat Bugs“, it offers a heartwarming and potentially inclusive experience, rivaling the diversity of “Sesame Street” since its inception. —Boris Kachka
Octonauts
Where to watch: Netflix
Episode length: Two 12-minute segments per episode
The Octonauts series is undeniably educational, focusing on the adventures of Captain Barnacles (a bear) and his underwater exploration team as they assist various marine creatures in need. Each episode introduces unique, quirky sea animals that your kids will become experts on, knowing more about them than what you saw during your last visit to the aquarium.
In a league of its own among animal-adventure shows, Octonauts excels with its captivating visuals and emotionally engaging storylines. The characters – Barnacles as the fearless leader, Kwazii the mischievous joker, and the Vegimals providing comic relief – are all charming, but it’s Peso the Penguin, the compassionate medical tech, who truly steals the show. He shows deep concern for a lonely humpback whale and is thrilled when an animal recovers. The problems faced by the characters feel genuine and are ultimately resolved, giving young viewers a sense of real-world challenges without oversimplifying them. To top it all off, its closing musical number is quite impressive. – K.V.A.
Peep and the Big Wide World
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Episode length: Two 12-minute segments per episode
In simple terms, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” focuses on social-emotional learning, while “Peep and the Great Wide World” emphasizes ecology. Characters like Daniel Tiger teach children about feelings and friendships, whereas Peep the chick and Quack the duck (and their friends with fun names) learn about nature. They often face challenges due to their lack of understanding of the natural world, such as saving bread only to find it moldy, which is bad for them but good for ants. Unlike Daniel Tiger, who can be a bit annoying, Peep’s world is amusing and quirky, thanks in part to Joan Cusak’s voice-over. The visuals are simple and minimalistic, with characters like legs being sticks and bodies being balls. Even after my daughter has grown out of the imaginary world, she still finds Peep entertaining.
Shaun the Sheep
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Episode length: 20 minutes
In simple terms, the number of shows that can captivate both toddlers and school-aged children, while remaining charming for parents, is quite limited. A rare exception I’ve discovered is a show called “Shaun the Sheep,” an animated series from the creators behind “Wallace and Gromit” and “Chicken Run.
Toddlers love “Shaun the Sheep” due to its simplicity and brief episodes. Each story is only five to seven minutes long (Amazon Prime combines them into 20-minute episodes). Since the show is almost wordless, the plot unfolds in big, funny, visual ways that even toddlers can understand.
For older kids, “Shaun” is full of humor, often using small-scale dramatic ironies and big, broad jokes. There’s plenty of slapstick comedy, and the stakes stay low. What amazes me is how well it appeals to me too! The animation style, with its witty claymation look, feels artistic, textured, and personal. But what really impresses me is how clever it all seems, never crossing the line into being condescending or mean. I hope my kids will want to watch it forever, and so far, they do! — K.V.A.
Gravity Falls
Where to watch: Disney+
Episode length: 20–24 minutes
Is there any other series on this list that pays tribute as deeply to Twin Peaks? Your children might not catch all the references, but this chilling mystery show, set in a Pacific Northwest town with strange occurrences of a supernatural nature, explicitly acknowledges elements like the Red Room, various owls, and even the villainous figure of Bob (represented in Gravity Falls by the cartoon antagonist Bill Cipher, who was once meant to be voiced by David Lynch). Similar to Twin Peaks, Gravity Falls is a quirky tourist town in the woods filled with peculiar characters harboring hidden secrets. The main characters – Dipper, his twin sister Mabel, and their unconventional Uncle Stan – are tasked with thwarting Bill’s plans for an apocalyptic event called Weirdmageddon.
Instead of relying solely on intricate references and fantasy elements, Gravity Falls stands out by focusing on the development of its characters’ relationships. Characters like Soos, Wendy, and Ford captivate us not because they solve circuitous mysteries but due to their relatable human qualities – their likes, dislikes, personal struggles, and family dramas. To fully appreciate this show, it’s best to steer clear of extensive Wiki pages to avoid spoilers about the apocalypse and changes in character relationships. —E.V.B.
The Baby-Sitters Club
Where to watch: Netflix
Episode length: 22–27 minutes
Despite sadly being terminated after just two seasons, Netflix’s The Baby-Sitters Club adaptation is a perfect fit for kids aged 7 to 11, serving as a bridge between their usual animated shows and the family sitcom craze that probably ensues later. (In reality, many now turn to YouTube and TikTok.) It aligns with the classic “first period” programming genre, which each generation should have access to in its contemporary form. Yet, this specific episode encapsulates everything remarkable about the original Baby-Sitters Club series at its zenith. Here you’ll find tales of friendship, aging relatives, rivalries, and crushes, all accompanied by a deep reservoir of affection and understanding for preteens not yet teens, capturing their excitement, anticipation, and apprehension about growing up. Every moment is enchanting. —K.V.A.
Bob’s Burgers
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney+
Episode length: 22 minutes
In the United States, “Bob’s Burgers” is an adult-oriented television show that often includes humor and references that may not be suitable for younger viewers. While in earlier times family TV was more established or children commonly watched prime-time network shows at 8 p.m., “Bob’s Burgers” would have been popular among older elementary and middle school students. The show is primarily about a unique, human, flawed, and lovable family, with many jokes revolving around topics such as puberty, sibling rivalry, and school mischief. When your children understand some of the references (for example, scenes reminiscent of “My Neighbor Totoro”), they feel proud and satisfied.—K.V.A.
The Owl House
Watching location:: Disney Plus
Episode duration: 22 minutes each (for seasons one and two), ranging from 46 to 55 minutes (in season three)
In a short span of just three seasons, Dana Terrace’s acclaimed, Peabody-winning animated series achieved several groundbreaking milestones that were long overdue: It became the first Disney production to have leading characters who are a same-sex couple, to depict a same-sex kiss between its main characters, to showcase same-sex parents, and to introduce nonbinary characters. Regrettably, Disney chose to discontinue the series before it reached its full potential (apparently not aligning with one executive’s preferences), but this cancellation doesn’t diminish its value as a captivating watch. In fact, this supernatural comedy offers a fresh perspective on fantasy storytelling, offering vivid animation and nuanced serialized narratives that are both engaging and sophisticated.
The Owl House
The story unfolds when 14-year-old Luz Noceda accidentally ventures into the enchanted realm of the Boiling Isles. In this fantastical place, she encounters a rebellious witch who dwells in the series’ namesake residence. Luz learns witchcraft under her mentorship to explore the mysteries of the Boiling Isles and the broader Demon Realm. Parental advisory: The initial episodes exhibit a somewhat surreal and ominous atmosphere, but as the series progresses, it becomes lighter (and more Disney-like). We recommend previewing a few episodes if you are concerned about your older children experiencing its (primarily harmless!) frightening visual elements. – E.V.B.
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Where to watch: Tubi, HBO Max
Episode length: 22 minutes
Savannah Salazar explains that the original Scooby-Doo series remains entertaining for kids, as evidenced by her 3-year-old cousin. She attributes this to the bright colors, catchy theme song, and comical traps that Scooby and Shaggy stumble into. The series also stands out due to its quick pace, silliness, and well-defined characters: the leader, the thinker, the beauty, the clumsy one, and the talking dog sidekick. Scooby-Doo, a classic Hanna-Barbera mystery series that premiered in 1969, has become ingrained in popular culture. If you haven’t revisited it recently, Savannah encourages you to give it another watch. Her baby cousin was amused by every mishap the Mystery Gang encountered, even when faced with more menacing ghosts like the Creeper. Exposing children to various fictional monsters and the team that exposes them could teach kids that life isn’t as frightening when you have friends to rely on.
Blown Away
Where to watch: Netflix
Episode length: 23–30 minutes
If you’ve run out of episodes for The Great British Bake Off and find that neither you nor your child are fond of traditional British pastries, I recommend giving Blown Away a try. Unlike its counterpart, this reality competition centered around glassblowing features only one challenge per episode, yet the time constraints remain intense for the ten participants as they skillfully manipulate molten glass within four hours. The transformative process of turning raw material into art never fails to captivate, and the danger element appeals particularly to children (“Playing with fire?” These artists literally work with fire!).
Despite its focus on the artistic process and brisk, straightforward judging, the show spares little time for exploring contestants’ personalities or backgrounds. Instead, it highlights the craft itself. There are frequent mishaps too: contestants often drop their projects, leading to dramatic shattering incidents. Parents may argue that the program is educational (offering insights into physics and chemistry), but the true excitement lies in the climax of each episode, when the tense competitors learn who will be eliminated and who will advance towards becoming the Best in Glass.—Emily Gould
Phineas and Ferb
Where to watch: Disney+
Episode length: 23 minutes
Eddie Rice (at age 8): I don’t recall exactly how I discovered Phineas and Ferb, but it might have been through one of my friends sharing it with me. However, Phineas is a character I really enjoy; he talks non-stop, much like myself. Yes, you could say they share some similarities. Phineas is definitely cool, and I’m amazed at how he comes up with all the resources for his inventions without ever seeming to buy them. His friend Ferb doesn’t speak much, but he helps out too. In an astonishingly short amount of time, they create these incredible inventions that would take a whole year for anyone else. Did you know Phineas and Ferb have a pet platypus named Perry? He’s not just a pet; he’s a secret agent who soars through the sky with a jet pack and has a hidden lab beneath their house! Perry is constantly battling against his arch-nemesis, Doctor Doofenshmirtz.
Andrew Rice (father): The show’s brilliance lies in the fact that the wicked scientist serves as its ethical anchor. Dr. Doofenshmirtz is a broad, Mel Brooks-esque parody, featuring a comically bad German accent, and he is always constructing absurd devices with names like the “Melt-inator” and the “Poop-inator.” (Over time, the show simply calls all his inventions “inators.”) The recurring gag is that he is inept not only at science but at being evil. He frequently undermines himself through good deeds and grapples with his unfulfilled career aspirations. Doofenshmirtz, a divorced father, yearns to earn the admiration and affection of his overly-cool teenage daughter, Vanessa, who is mortified by his attempts at global conquest. Interestingly, he’s not even aiming for world domination, just the “tristate area.
Eddie: He’s not evil. He’s just had a tragic life.
The Simpsons
Where to watch: Disney+
Episode length: 23 minutes
In Izzy Grinspan’s words,
During high school, I treated ‘The Simpsons’ as if it was a sacred text to study. Its blend of the profound and the trivial greatly influenced my own humor. My son’s initiation into this world happened when he was six years old, with an episode from season eight where Lisa attempts to babysit Bart. At that age, most of it went over his head, but he found amusement in specific scenes such as Rod and Todd Flanders being scared of a moth, and Ralph Wiggum wearing pants on his arms. He also showed interest in the plot, rooting for Bart while empathizing with Lisa.
Admittedly, it might be selfish to try and make him appreciate the things I cherish. However, witnessing my son’s joy from watching something that has brought me such joy throughout the years—the cycle of parenthood—was an immense pleasure in itself.
Hilda
Where to stream: Hulu
Episode length: 24 minutes, with a few longer exceptions
As a cinephile, I’d like to share my thoughts on a select group of animated series that stand out as truly remarkable, masterfully crafted, and emotionally resonant shows suitable for both adults and young viewers transitioning from children’s programming. These shows serve as an ideal bridge for those who have outgrown the typical kid TV fare but aren’t quite ready for the darker, scarier, or more mature series.
Shows such as Avatar: The Last Airbender and Steven Universe are undeniably influential in this category, yet another series that deserves recognition is Hilda. Based on Luke Pearson’s graphic novel series, Hilda immerses us in Scandinavian folklore and offers a unique, thought-provoking experience unlike most children’s shows.
What sets Hilda apart is its subtlety; it’s slower, stranger, and less predictable than the norm. Despite its kid protagonist, it manages to delve deeply into complex emotions without overwhelming viewers, and it captures the essence of a child exploring a magical realm without resorting to idolization or stereotypical villainy. If you’re in search of something that transcends the boundaries between children’s and adult entertainment, Hilda is definitely worth a watch. —K.V.A.
StoryBots
Where to watch: Netflix
Episode length: 25–30 minutes
In every installment of this Netflix show, titled guide-bots from a cartoon provide answers to questions posed by real children. The episodes blend live action and animation, interspersed with unexpected musical breaks that add to the overall joyous feel. Each episode also includes special guest stars like Snoop Dogg or Tony Hale. One question I found particularly interesting is “How do people catch a cold?” The story unfolds in a doctor’s office, where Wanda Sykes plays the role of the doctor. Our guide-bots then embark on a journey inside a human body and meet a friendly macrophage. They explain that when a virus enters your body, the macrophage consumes it, generating antigens that stimulate T-cells to activate B-cells, enabling white blood cells to fight off the cold virus. The episode concludes with a memorable song: “Your body can defend itself / Your suffering will end with help / From an army / Of white blood cells in your body.” (Note: If a virus finds its way into your system, that’s how you catch a cold.)
Admit it honestly: Were you familiar with all those details before, perhaps not? As for the Storybots, they could have helped me grasp the concepts of white blood cells and viruses, but certainly not everything else. The other episodes share a similar educational approach that remains engaging regardless of age, unlike shows that cater only to newcomers in topics like “letters” or “Grown-ups always come back.” I’d say the “How do airplanes fly?” episode might have introduced me to… the basics of physics? – E.G.
Time Bandits
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Episode length: 32–47 minutes
In a delightful and zany reimagining of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 film, “Time Bandits” was transformed by collaborators Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, and Taika Waititi into a series that unfortunately ran for only one season on Apple TV+. This adaptation features a young protagonist named Kevin (Kal-El Tuck), who has a keen interest in history, and takes him along with a group of time travelers as they follow a map to unforeseen destinations. Unlike the movie, this series jumps around various historical eras, offering a closer look at diverse cultures and civilizations such as the Mali Empire, the Ice Age, and the Maya. The cast, particularly Jemaine Clement as Pure Evil and Lisa Kudrow as the leader of the time bandits, Penelope, brought an infectiously energetic joy to the series. While the production design might be a bit frightening for younger children, tweens might find themselves captivated by it. – R.H.
The Great Pottery Throw Down
Where can you stream it: The Roku Channel offers seven seasons, while HBO Max provides five seasons.
Episode durations: Range from approximately 46 to 60 minutes.
If your child or family enjoys the warmth and encouragement of “The Great British Baking Show,” you might find “The Great Pottery Throw Down” equally appealing. This series shares a similar format with episodic challenges, making it an easy transition for viewers. While there may be some new pottery terms to learn, the show is helpful in explaining them. Each season gathers a group of amateur potters from across the county in Stoke-on-Trent, England, where they compete in weekly challenges. The main task, called the “main make,” could range from a working toilet, tea set, or garden sculpture and is often a multistage project. In between these stages, there’s a smaller challenge like creating pottery while blindfolded or making as many egg cups as possible within 20 minutes. Just like in “GBBS,” the potters must wait to see how their creations turned out and if they can be fixed. The episodes are engaging yet soothing, without the artificial tension found in most American competition shows, and will leave viewers of all ages awestruck by the potters’ masterpieces. However, be warned that judge Keith Brymer Jones might not appeal to everyone due to his emotional nature; he cries in almost every episode! Some may find this endearing, while others may want him as a family member, but opinions may vary on this matter. – R.H.
The Great British Baking Show
Where to watch: Netflix
Episode length: 52–67 minutes
After welcoming my newborn baby, I found solace in watching “The Great British Baking Show.” At that time, my mind was too exhausted for more demanding tasks. The program offers no high-pressure competitions, no financial rewards, and no harshness. Instead, the judges provide constructive feedback gently, and their compliments are heartfelt. Contestants cheer each other on, creating a supportive atmosphere. Tears are shed over spilled batter or soggy crusts rather than defeats or criticisms.
Meaghan O’Connell recounts a moment when her young son was around 3 or 4 years old. He sat beside her while she secretly watched something. She hesitated to turn it off, then realized the show had positive themes such as creativity, self-confidence, determination, and no inappropriate content. Thinking about his future, she mused about him becoming a baker and delighting them with croissants during visits. Enthused by this idea, she began adding her own commentary to aid understanding and enhance suspense. To help keep his attention, she introduced the concept of winning and losing in a more bluntly American way, building excitement as the bakers’ time ran out. It took some effort, but now that her son is 5, they both eagerly enjoy this shared experience. “Mom,” he asks with wide eyes, as if it’s their secret tradition, and she thinks, “Thank goodness, I truly do.
An adaptation of this piece can be found in the December 23, 2019 issue of New York Magazine. Consider subscribing for more insights!
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