There are endless blogs and stories of how Disney has given girls unrealistic expectations of relationships, but what about the unrealistic parenting that goes down on children's programming? Singing a little diddy like "When your sad do something to make you happy" doesn't always guarantee the day ends in hugs and kisses like Daniel Tiger seems to promise. Where's the episode where Daniel spends the day throwing temper tantrums and his mom is too exhausted to deal with him? Where's the episode where the laundry piles up and the dishes don't get done? Or what about when the parents sit their kids in front of the TV so they can get something accomplished? Where is the episode of any children's show where the parents are less than perfect? The parents are always a perfect team, with a perfectly balanced lifestyle and the support of drama-free family members. I'm at a place in my life where we sometimes watch kids TV shows and I often see these picture-perfect families and say to my self "wouldn't that be nice?" Because sometimes singing a little song doesn't make it all get better, and sometimes Mom doesn't react the way she should. I'm not suggesting children's programming should change, reality is far too much for a little guy to handle... but if my son ever says "CAILLOU'S MOM NEVER YELLS AT HIM" I assure you it will not help the situation.
Where's Elmo's mom anyway?
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