Screen Time: These shows are fun for the whole family

As my stepdaughter has grown up, I’ve been pretty vocal about how some shows she watches I can totally get behind, while others, yeah … not so much. Since we’ve had a lot more screen time during the pandemic (don’t judge, you have, too) I’ve made a quick list of a few shows you can watch with your kids without wanting to gouge your eyes out and that you might actually enjoy and learn something from yourself. 

Bluey (Disney+): Bluey is one of the best shows I’ve seen on what it’s like to be a kid, and also how we relate to each other as individuals. It super rolls out the empathy train and I’ve seen both kids and parents obsessed with it. 

Diary of a Future President (Disney+): No words do this show justice, it’s one of the best shows I’ve seen this year, period. With wonderful Latinx representation and a character that grows up to be a future president, it’s a wonderful look into where we come from and how it influences where we go.

Emily’s Wonder Lab (Netflix): Emily Calandrelli (go look her up immediately) came out with one of the biggest hits this side of the pandemic, and it’s all in short segments about science experiments. This is one that my stepdaughter has watched on repeat and can’t stop talking about with her friends. And I quote, “Have you ever noticed that science is just like magic?”

Brainchild (Netflix): Before “Emily’s Wonder Lab” came Brainchild, a wonderful show about science and perception that I’m really hoping gets a season two. Please, Netflix? It came out in 2018, but my stepdaughter still binges it once every few months. 

The Babysitter’s Club (Netflix): I didn’t expect to love this reboot as much as I do, and that seems to be the case for everyone. Not only do you see the essence of the original books, but the girls of the club tackle new problems that we’re all facing. I actually dropped my laptop when I was working while watching a show and there was a reference to ICE and the detention centers. Who knew it’d be so woke? (Also, prepare to feel old with this one if you watch with your kids … they talk about how retro phones could have been see-through a la ’90s tech. Ugh, my bones.) 

The Who Was? Show (Netflix): I found out about these books a while back and was thrilled they made a show about them. Each episode features two historical or notable figures in history and their backstories. It’s a great introduction to where we’ve come from. 

The Floor is Lava (Netflix): I fought with myself on putting this one on my list, but considering every weekend all of our pillows are on the ground and stepping on the wrong spot elicits a, “YOU FELL IN LAVA,” it’s absolutely been a hit at my house. This is not educational in any way, but has inspired a lot more movement from my stepdaughter while we’ve been at home. And an entirely new set of couch pillows — you’ve been warned. 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS Kids, Amazon Prime): Confession? This show has taught me more about emotions than any other kids show. Daniel Tiger is the son of Daniel StripedTiger, from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Think the new generation of King Friday’s pals. The kids in this show address everything from loss to blended families to O the Owl, who has become an unofficial mascot for some children on the autism spectrum, I cannot get enough of this show. Your family is sure to learn how to regulate and talk about emotions — especially helpful in such a difficult time. I myself have grown as an adult because of it.