- Content: “Learning to Be Thankful”
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What You Need To Know:
With a very strong moral worldview, THE BERENSTAIN BEARS – COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS is a delightfully simple and relatable episode. Speaking to a common issue that all parents face, especially during the holidays: children wanting more. Through this episode, they learn to recognize what they already have. While the video game technology shown may be outdated, the message is still relevant for families today. Overall, this remains a wholesome and welcome message in a busy world. This classic show reminds the audience to be thankful for what is already in front of us. There is no objectionable content, so MOVIEGUIDE® finds the episode appropriate for all ages.
Content:
Astrong moral worldview, this episode depicts a loving family who tackle a common parenting issue of children always wanting more. With the parents taking the opportunity to show their children the meaning of gratitude when the power goes out, the children learn a clear lesson of appreciating what is already around them. As this is public broadcasting for children, it is evident that careful consideration is taken to avoid any problematic or questionable content and avoid religion altogether. However, the moral lessons are certainly helpful for families of young children especially during the upcoming holiday season: focusing on gratitude and thankfulness for who is in their lives rather than getting new things, which is in alignment with Christian principles. However, it can be argued that bear family could really use a new couch despite the lessons learned ;
No foul language;
No violence;
No sex;
No nudity;
No alcohol;
No smoking or drug use; and,
No miscellaneous immorality.
More Detail:
With a very strong moral worldview, THE BERENSTAIN BEARS – COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS is a delightfully simple and relatable episode that speaks to a common issue that all parents face, especially during the holidays: children wanting more, leading to them learning to recognize the good in what they already have. While the video game technology shown may be a bit out-of-date, the message is certainly still relevant for families today. Overall, this is a wholesome and welcome message that is helpful to parents, especially during such a commercialized season. This classic show reminds the audience to be thankful for what is already in front of us.
The story begins with a quote from Mama: “Small bears get big eyes when they take off and roam.” Papa replies with “And sometimes forget all the good stuff at home.” As Sister plays with her Bearbie doll in the sandbox, a neighbor girl, Lizzy, calls her over to see her new doll. Lizzy invites Sister over to play. Sister goes into the house to ask Mama for permission. Mama is mopping and says it’s ok if she goes. Mama already anticipates Sister’s desire for new toys after seeing what Lizzy has at her house, dreading the future conversation out loud as Papa overhears. He agrees, thinking the same thing will happen when Brother returns from Cousin Freddy’s house after playing video games. Together, they continue mopping the floor.
At Lizzy’s house, the girls have a fashion show featuring various Bearbie dolls, including a “cruise ship” doll and a medical doll. At Cousin Freddy’s house, the boys play a racing video game, with Cousin Freddy winning. Brother is upset as he cannot beat Cousin Freddy, as he doesn’t have this game at home. The girls play with all the dolls that are out, as Lizzy pulls out another box to Sister’s amazement. Cousin Freddy beats Brother in another game, knowing the secrets of the game better than Brother. Through the window, dark clouds move in. Both siblings decide to leave their visits early to get home before the storm. Meeting up and walking together, they decide to go home and ask their parents for new dolls and video games.
They race in the house as it starts raining. Mama grabs a towel and helps to dry the cubs off. Sister tells Mama about all the dolls she played with, and Brother talks about all the video games Freddy has. With both parents fed up with their complaining, they decide now is the time to teach them the importance of counting their blessings as they ride out this storm – both outside and within their family. The cubs learn the true meaning of being grateful and knowing that happiness and security do not come from more things, but from finding the positive in what is already there for them. There is no objectionable content, so MOVIEGUIDE® finds the episode appropriate for all ages.
