As a mum, I’ve likely found myself in the same boat as you – searching for safe TV options for our little ones.
But have you ever stopped to think about the impact of shows like Peppa Pig on their development?
Some child experts are raising red flags about series like Netflix’s Cocomelon, suggesting they’re designed to hook our kids in an unhealthy way.
The theory is that creators have cleverly used vivid colours and snappy scene changes to keep them transfixed. Parents have voiced concerns about their kids becoming “brain zapped” during viewing sessions.
A cluster of children experts are even calling for a complete TV ban for smaller kids, unless an adult is present to make it an educational activity.
But let’s be real, is this actually doable?
The Struggle of Balancing Work and Parenting
In the real world, I reckon it’s a tall order for most parents to sit and mimic every move and lyric with their offspring every single time the TV is on.
We’re often juggling work, bedtime rituals, nursery and school drop-offs, plus extra activities like baking, colouring, and dance classes.
TV becomes a quick fix to sneak in a shower or whip up dinner, knowing our toddlers are safe and amused.
However, some experts now suggest this could potentially hinder their future development. So, what’s the solution when we need a brief respite from the constant cycle of entertaining and educating our little ones?
My Experience with Peppa Pig and Bluey
My toddler loves Peppa Pig, especially the intro and theme tune. But despite her love for the show, I’ve noticed a change in her behaviour since we started watching it. I turned to the internet to see if others had similar experiences.
On Reddit, I stumbled upon parent-led discussions advocating for Bluey over Peppa Pig. Having watched both shows with my toddler, I wholeheartedly agree with their observations.
While both animations share a 2D style and bear similarities, their content is markedly different. This, I believe, is where Peppa Pig’s creators have fallen short.
The Unhealthy Dynamics of Peppa Pig
One viewer pointed out that the plotlines often depict “unhealthy” dynamics, even highlighting an “antagonising relationship” between Peppa Pig and her father, who is depicted as a somewhat “bumbling idiot” and frequently ridiculed by his own family.
Others argued that Peppa doesn’t face “adequate repercussions for her misbehaviour”, criticising the show for its “little to no emotional depth, with morality lessons being particularly lacking in subtlety or insight”.
I’ve also noticed parents voicing concerns about Peppa’s conduct in certain episodes, worried that their children might imitate her “bad manners.”
Why I’m Choosing Bluey Instead
Conversely, Bluey appears to make up for all the elements that Peppa Pig falls short on. The Disney+ series showcases a greater degree of thoughtfulness and realistic family dialogues and relationships.
Discussions are handled sensitively, with both mum and dad engaging in parenting conversations with their two offspring.
The programme aims to foster healthy family interactions, emotional intelligence, personal development, adaptive learning behaviours, and credible relationships.
For all these reasons, I’ve decided to turn off Peppa Pig and steer my two-year-old towards watching Bluey instead.