By India McCarty
Looking for different TV options for your children? Here’s why many parents turn to shows from the ’90s and early 2000s.
“Having the TV up on the wall and away from prying fingers — and [programming] with wholesome storylines, the way it ‘used to be’ — is best for child development,” Stephanie O’Dea, author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World, told Parents.com.
She explained that a major “educational milestone” for kindergarteners is “the ability to sit quietly on the carpet and listen to a 10-minute story. Fast images and shortened storylines are not appropriate for developing brains.”
Instead of these fast-paced, current shows, parents are now turning on beloved classics like FRANKLIN, LITTLE BEAR and MAX & RUBY, which offer viewers a gentler, slower viewing experience.
Michael Hirsh, author of Animation Nation: How We Built a Cartoon Empire and producer of many of these “gentle” children’s shows, explained to Parents.com how many aspects of the series focused on calming the viewers: “The muted colors and Schubert-inspired music contributed to the show’s calm, soothing and gentle voice.”
Related: Why Parents Are Embracing Slower, ‘Wholesome’ ’90s Kids’ TV
Dr. Zabina Bhasin explained to GOOD MORNING AMERICA that “such programming fosters a sense of safety and stability, which is crucial for emotional development and self-regulation.”
This differs from the fast-paced, loud style of current shows made for children, designed to keep their attention in a busy world. Some experts have pointed out the link between consuming these kinds of programs and heightened irritability and overstimulation in young people.
“This shift towards old school TV demonstrates that slowed-down, more deliberate storytelling helps with emotional regulation,” Caitlin Slavens, a psychologist at MamaPsychologists, told Parents. com. “It’s also a reminder that screen time isn’t just [about] what kids watch but how it affects them.”
Hazel Tsukano, a family-focused content creator (@hazeltsukano_), told GMA that she noticed a definite change in her toddler’s behavior after swapping out newer shows for ones like WINNIE THE POOH and DUCKTALES.
While shifting to gentle, slower shows can help regulate children’s moods, Dr. Bhasin also recommended trying to get children interested in screen-free activities.
“Introduce calmer shows and offer alternatives like outdoor play or creative activities,” she said. “Anything rushed will only create frustration for the child.”
Tsukano agreed, writing in an Instagram post, “In the end, the goal is to strike a balance that works for your family’s unique circumstances while keeping your child’s well-being and development in mind.”
In a fast-paced world, gentle TV shows like FRANKLIN and WINNIE THE POOH can help children learn how to regulate emotions and develop better attention spans.
Read Next: What Is the ‘Slow TV’ Movement? Everything Parents Need to Know
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