The Creative Nanny

I just read a post on Be the Best Nanny about T.V. shows and I thought I would give my two cents. I am writing this based of the vast knowledge I have on this subject (I am personally a T.V. buff). Sure, I can go on and on about different shows but I am just going to do the best and worst ones that I've seen when it has come to various charges of mine. My charges are usually 5 and younger so please keep that in mind when reading my choices.

Would you like the good news first, or the bad? Let's start with the bad.

Top 5 Worst Kid's Shows
5. SpongeBob Squarepants
Some may bite my head off for this one, but this show is not only annoying, but it also promotes ADD. My brother told me that the studies done on this aren't legitimate, but I've seen firsthand the effects of this show. The constant changing of scenes and the absent mindedness of the characters teaches kids to not be able to focus on anything.

4. Dora the Explorer
Sure she is adorable and I have always loved following her on her adventures, but what's the point? I originally thought that this show was to teach kids a little Spanish, but they have greatly moved away from that. Now they say words so fast that no one understands (I know more than the basic Spanish). I have noticed that Diego speaks more Spanish than Dora (Handy Manny is the best) and I personally believe that the best "second language" show out there is Ni Hao Kailan.

3. Imagination Movers
I think this one is especially important for nannies. Nannies are there to help nurture and grow someone else's children. It is important that we do the best job we can. That's the reason this is number 2. There is absolutely nothing to this show. There is no plot to this and the acting is horrific! How is this stimulating kid's minds or bodies in a good way (or bad even)!

2. Lazy Town
I've watched this several times and still don't get the point...what in the world are they doing??? Maybe you can help me out on that. Not to mention they look so creepy...all of them, especially the guy with the mustache.

1. Johnny Test
Johnny Test hits number one on worst show for kids. Boys love this show...hmmm...I wonder why?? This boy gets into the stickiest situations that he creates and does nothing but wreak havoc for 11 minutes straight. The worst part is that he only gets in trouble for his actions occasionally; he seems to be able to wiggle his way out of these situation. 20 minutes of this T.V. nonsense and kids are trying to do parkour off the walls. There has also been some back talking following watching this one.

Top 5 Best Kid's Shows
5. Curious George
"You be a good little monkey." The man in the yellow hat says that in almost every episode. He doesn't want any monkey business. But what is one to do when he can't quell his curiosity? That curiosity is why I love this show so much for kids. Often times one of my charges will start asking questions about something because he learned about it on Curious George. I am more than alright with questions. Questions with proper answers make for smarter kids. If it's a type of question with an answer I am sure my charge can figure out on his or her own, I walk him or her through the thought process. It's a lot more rewarding in the end when they are the ones who come up with their own conclusions.

4. Sofia the First
I love this new kid's show. In case you don't know what it's about, it is about a young girl who was just made princess because her mother married the queen. She is a good and confident girl and does what is right no matter what. Sometimes her interpretation of what is right is skewed like when she covers for her stepbrother who broke a window so he can go to the circus. However, in the end, everything is always made right and every faces their consequences according to their actions.

3. Sesame Street
I think this is a given. Sesame Street incorporates so much in their shows! A usual show includes a morale lesson, a new letter, a new number, and something fun for the kids to do. It gets creative minds going.

2. Yo Gabba Gabba
I have a feeling that people are going to fight me tooth and nail over this one. Sure it can be annoying, but I have my reasons why it is number 2. Yo Gabba Gabba encourages kids to get up and move around while they are watching this show. No more bum potatoes sitting on the couch watching T.V. like zombies. This show teaches something new in each show and encourages dancing (one of my favorite activities for exercise).

1. Little Einsteins
I love music and I love this show! It is so clever in incorporating the music and art into it's show. Kids get familiar with popular (and occasionally not as popular) classical music. They become familiar with artists both from the music and art worlds. My favorite part of this show is when they use the featured work of art in the show. It is a clever way to incorporate some culture in young kids.

To be honest, these lists aren't long enough! I have so many I could add to both, maybe I should...what do you think? What are your favorite and not-so-favorite T.V. shows out there?