Repetition, Repetition....

Many of you may appreciate this fact about children.

No. No.

Maybe not appreciate.

More like are resigned to this particular fact about our little ones.

They love watching the same shows, episodes, and songs on repeat. 

Sometimes for years.

Their dedication is astounding.

There will always be a few that erode your brain cells and decimate your patience. 

I learnt something by my third child.

Yes, I'm a slow learner. 

We don't have to watch a show which really shreds every last nerve on repeat.

We won't win every battle on this front, life is about compromise. 

However.

By the third child, I realised I could choose the programmes in advance and introduce them to my children. 

It was a game changer.

I also can sometimes convince them to give up channels which I particularly find annoying. It is only fair that there is a really good reason why they are not allowed it, and not just ban it. 

There was one recent one which I really did not like. My seven year old is old enough for supervised decision-making, and she loved it. It took a while for me to find something which I could use in my favour to ban it.

I must admit the day that the presenter slipped up in my eyes. Anger only just about over ruled the happy dance which was happening internally, that I could legitimately ban it.

The presenter told millions of little followers that 'boys are better than girls. They are superior to girls'. Instant ban in our household. Kira was so upset by this statement she had a Tourettes episode which lasted over an hour.

When I try to steer my children towards shows, either encouraging their choices or slipping in my own, there are different criteria I use.

1) The presenters, animation, or family have to be endearing and not send my nerves off a cliff edge.

2) The message has to follow our ethos as a family.

3) Personally, I like it to have an educational underlay if at all possible.

4) Interest driven, appropriate, and innocent.

Examples will alter for every family because it is personal to the children and to family standards.

Educational Youtube examples which we love collectively include: 

- A for Adley (amazing family)

- Ryan's world (the educational episodes)

- Bluey 

- Bounce Patrol (awesome group)

- Mother Goose Club (perfect for babies)

- Rachel and the Treeschoolers (for budding scientists)

- Jack Hartmann (all ages, English and Maths)

- Cocomelon (early years academics, social and life skills)

- Patty Shukla (early years educational music and movement).

- Peppa pig (in tiny doses but there is far better out there)

It's not going to work long term, if the show gives you a headache or you want to punch the characters. 

You will listen to these on repeat, maybe for years.

Films are a different beast all together. I wish you luck. I am incredibly lucky I love Frozen, Ice Age, Robin hood and Encanto.

Good luck parents.