"Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?" A middle-aged man who lives his live irresponsibly

Why does one watch TV? Well, besides the fact that it can broaden your social horizons, improve your intellect, and teach you to do things you never imagined being able to do, I don't know.

Why do I watch TV? Quite simply, it's a treat. I live an incredibly crazy life. I even admitted to my Company B theater company at Lexington Children's Theatre that my prized possession would have to be my agenda. With such an incredibly busy life, I have a hard enough time watching the two shows I try to keep up with (Glee and Switched at Birth) on Hulu and DVR, let alone every new show that people ask me if I've seen. So, if you are wondering, it's probably "no" so let's just avoid that awkward conversation right now, shall we?

Now a days, most of the new shows I have experienced have been during babysitting. For some reason, kids are drawn to that sucker like a magnet. No matter how much fun we've had baking cookies or putting on shows, or playing hide-and-go-seek, the night seems to always end with a movie and popcorn (or TV in general).

When I watch these new TV shows and movies, I often wonder what parents are thinking. Having grown up with a preschool teacher as a mother, most everything I watched as a young child was educational in some way, whether it be morally, literary, or intellectually. Some of these shows that are on are just weird, have no lesson, and I find to be generally inappropriate.

First of all, I will discuss Spongebob Squarepants. Actually, what is there to discuss? I hated the character when I was younger, and find him to be even more obnoxious now. I know many people love him, but I just cannot stand the fact that a middle-aged character goes around acting so stupid and ridiculous. If you can find any sort of lesson in these episodes, it is that it's okay to never pass your driving test, work as a fry cook, and live in a piece of fruit. It's a wonder why the kids of America are so messed up...

In contrast, Yo Gabba Gabba! may be an equally as loved TV show - directed at a little younger audience - that still brings the crazy silly aspect to the table. I honestly don't find it as enjoyable as some of the other shows, but I have not had a kid tell me that they hate the show. Most of them are very actively engaged and singing along. I like Yo Gabba Gabba! for several reasons, but mostly because it uses some very effective techniques in order to introduce new ideas to kids. The show is divided in to several sections meant to represent a day (there is snack time, dance time, etc.). This allows for children to stay engaged longer, because it is always changing. I also love that they incorporate lessons such as trying new things, eating healthy, the arts, exercise, and learning along the way. It may not be the perfect kid show, by any means, but I feel it is much more satisfying than Spongebob.

I have given you a glimpse of what could end up to be several pages of reviews on children's shows, but I believe you can see what I am after. I am not opposed to TV- quite the contrary actually. However, I feel it should be a treat, something that is balanced by physical activity and mental stimulation along with social contact. Not only this, but children should grow up fondly looking back on wholesome characters developed to teach kids, while being silly and fun at the same time.