Watching TV is a fun, entertaining activity that your kids surely enjoy. But did you know that TV time also gives kids the opportunity to learn important lessons from their favourite characters and programmes?
The best way to make sure that your child is enriched by the shows that he watches is to join him in front of the TV. This is called coviewing, where you turn viewing time into a fun bonding activity for you and your child, and afterwards talk about what you saw and heard.
To get you started, here are 7 cartoons that can teach great lessons to kids, and what your child stands to learn when you expose them to these programmes.
1. Teach your kids about bullying by watching “Tom and Jerry”
Just because you are small doesn’t mean that you are helpless. In the “Tom and Jerry” show, we often see how Tom tries to get his way with Jerry by using his size to his advantage.
When you watch this programme with your children, you can teach them about bullying, and how they should not allow bigger kids to treat them unfairly just because they are small.
You can also show them how they can use their wits and intelligence to defend themselves in these situations, instead of physically fighting back.
2. Teach your kids to face their fears just like “Scooby Doo”
In “Scooby Doo Mystery Inc.”, Scooby and Shaggy are always faced with something scary as they begin to solve the mystery. They never let this stop them, though, and they continue on despite their fears.
Through this cartoon, children can be made to see that it is natural to be afraid, but fear should not stop you from doing the things that you need and want to do.
3. “The Transformers” is a great show to teach about teamwork
In order to defeat their adversaries, the Transformers band together and work as a team. Through this example, parents can teach children that success often comes with the help of cooperation.
4. Use “Adventure Time” to teach kids about becoming culturally aware
In “Adventure Time”, the main character Finn the Human travels through the different kingdoms, where he meets their residents, all with different beliefs and practices. You can use these adventures to teach your children that different countries and cultures exist around the world.
Just like Finn, your kids will eventually make friends with people of various races, even genders and social statuses. At an early age you can teach them to become open and accepting of differences in belief and culture.
5. Learn about the importance of family by watching “The Amazing World of Gumball”
“The Amazing World of Gumball” features the Waterson family, in particular, siblings Darwin and Gumball and their little sister Anais. These siblings are there for each other no matter what, and the brothers know that they can count on each other when things get rough.
By seeing how the Watersons stick together in the end, no matter what the circumstances are, you can show your kids the importance of family, and how you should remain loyal to each other through thick and thin.
6. Phineas and Ferb can help teach kids to push the limits of their creativity
In the show “Phineas and Ferb”, the siblings use their creativity and skills to come up with fun inventions every day. From building time machines and giant rollercoasters, to directing music videos, these characters’ big ideas know no bounds.
When you watch this programme together, you can encourage your children to create, imagine, and think outside of the box.
7. Teach kids the importance of living a happy life via “SpongeBob SquarePants”
If there’s one thing that you can admire about SpongeBob, it’s that he won’t let anything bring him down. He lives a happy life, and pursues that which brings him joy.
Through this cartoon, parents can show children the importance of doing what makes you happy, and living a life that is true to this happiness.
Click on the next page to learn where you can get all the major kids’ channels in a single pack.
All major kids’ channels in one single pack
Singtel TV is a Pay-TV service that brings world-class entertainment right to your home or on the go. Subscribers enjoy an enhanced viewing experience with excellent picture quality and sound, plus innovative features, a wide selection of HD channels and on-demand content.
With the Singtel TV Family Starter Pack, you can provide your children with channels and programmes especially designed for them. Enjoy over 70 channels, including all the major kids’ channels like Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Toonami, Disney, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Discovery Kids and BabyTV.
To learn more about the Family Starter Pack, visit www.singteltv.com.sg.
For more information regarding the Singtel TV Family Starter Pack, you may call the Singtel TV Hotline at 1609 from 9am – 9pm, daily.
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