Should They Watch It?

Join Laura and Kara on this Bonus Episode as they review and discuss the hit Nick Jr. series, Blue’s Clues and Blue’s Clues and You. With everyone in the country talking about Steve's recent address to the nation for the show's 25th anniversary, the ladies didn't hesitate to get to this review straight to you! Laura gives us some interesting facts about the show and its hosts and the ladies end with a fun game regarding those hosts. 
Should They Watch It?

Kara: Yes

Laura:Yes

Pros

Lots of research has been done on Blue’s Clues.  One study reveals that children who regularly watch the show display increased learning comprehension over non-viewers.  Another study suggested that the show’s participatory format increased social interaction with children, while others have shown that watching Blue’s Clues enhances children’s vocabulary.

Emphasis on problem solving and use of repetition encourages mastery.  

Sweet, calm atmosphere.

Interactive format encourages participation by the child in the watching experience.

Potential Issues

The pace is gradual, which might feel slow or boring to some audiences

Laura and Kara discuss and review the tween hit, Oh Yuck!.  First, the ladies discuss how their kids use their parenting tools against them. And then they dive deep into all things...Yucky! Finally, they tell their grossest stories, including the time Kara was certain her new husband was going to run for the hills!   **Skip ahead to 18:23 to get straight to the review.**

Should They Watch It?

Kara - No

Laura - Yes

Pros

It teaches children about the things that people normally find disgusting.

Messages of working with nature, rather than against it, to solve problems with our bodies.

Lots of historical information about how society across the globe viewed and treated illness, ailments, and all things yucky.

Potential Issues

The female character isn’t as dynamic as the male characters, where she is set up to be more of a reactor.  There are also misogynistic jokes about her throughout the show.

Lots of grossness.  The ick factor is very high, so you will not enjoy this show if you are easily grossed-out.  It’s also very exaggerated grossness that might be too overwhelming/overstimulating for younger kids.

There’s a monster in one episode: a Fatberg, that could be scary for younger children.

Laura and Kara discuss and review their first movie- the brand new Amazon Prime Video adaption of Cinderella starring Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Minnie Driver, and Pierce Brosnan.  With Laura home sick, the ladies used modern technology to get this episode to you right on the heals of the movie's release, just a few days ago. They jump right into their review, so no need to skip ahead!
Should They Watch It?
Kara: Only if it’s free

Laura: Yes AND she is willing to pay for it

Pros
Goofy entertainment

Inspires youth to challenge convention in honor of what they truly want for themselves in order to lead a life that is uniquely fulfilling.  

Replaces the purely evil villain with a complex character which opens the doors to broader conversations about how society treats dysfunctional behavior.

Potential Issues
Instances of misogyny 

Should They Watch It?

Kara

Enthusiastic yes.

Laura

An indifferent yes.

Pros

Representation of LGBTQ and single-parent families.

Teaches emotional maturity and problem-solving.

Encourages curiosity and enthusiasm for history and science.

Positive messages of responsibility and of being a good friend.

Addresses internal conflict between social responsibility and one’s own desires.

Potentially Problematic or Unnappealing

Historical Inaccuracy

As a matter of taste for parents, the music felt unnecessary, the jokes weren’t very funny, and the morals were obvious to the extent that they were literally recited.  It’s written for children but might not be enjoyable to parents.

Additional Topics of Conversation

Kara discusses the weight of all the hats we wear as humans and gives tips on how to ease the burden.  Laura and Kara also discuss the idea of the “Mental Load” and how it can wear on the person carrying it.

Laura also goes wheels off and talks about animal rights in space exploration.  She points to an article about the first dog in space and how it did not end well.

 **Skip ahead to 24:29 to get straight to the review.**

Should They Watch It?

Kara

No

Laura

No

Pros

Masha can show some caring behavior, she is tenacious, and she's a problem-solver.

It's very cute animation. It's fun. It's not too overwhelming. The concepts are very simple.

Funny secondary characters. 

Potential Issues

Masha frequently hurts and harasses animals on this show, making her a bad example for how to treat other living things.

Masha’s disrespect of Bear may inspire children to act similarly towards their own parental figures.

Other topics of conversation

Laura and Kara also talk about the shows they are watching.  Laura is watching a Netflix docuseries called The Movies that Made Us and Sexy Beasts, both are fascinating for different reasons.  Kara talks about the show Manifest and how it’s abrupt end sparked the online community to sign a petition to bring it back.

Kara and Laura offer advice to a mom who is struggling with her son peeing everywhere…and on all the things…hear Kara connecting with this on a deep level, while Laura offers advice on how to make some changes.

Resources mentioned on the show

The Untold Truth Of Masha And The Bear (thelist.com)

Do storybooks with anthropomorphized animal characters promote prosocial behaviors in young children? - Larsen - 2018 - Developmental Science - Wiley Online Library 

Laura and Kara discuss and review the long-running hit, SpongeBob Squarepants and the show's first series spin-off, Kamp Koral.  **Skip ahead to 21:25 to get straight to the review.**

Should They Watch It?

Kara

Maybe

Laura

No

Things we liked and things to learn

Messages of how to be a good friend, speaking up for your needs, positivity, never give up.

Fun and upbeat with goofy humor.

Potential Issues

We found a study that was done in 2011 in Pediatrics.  The study found that four-year-olds who watched nine minutes of SpongeBob performed worse on executive function tests than peers who watched nine minutes of Caillou, which is a slower paced, more realistic PBS cartoon about a preschool-aged boy.  The Immediate Impact of Different Types of Television on Young Children's Executive Function | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)

Another fun article we discuss, which points out potential issues: 8 reasons why SpongeBob SquarePants is an absolute arsehole (goodto.com)

The ladies also discuss things they never thought they'd find themselves Googling or purchasing on Amazon...until they had kids. 

www.shouldtheywatchit.com

IG: shouldtheywatchit

Laura and Kara discuss and review the hit Australian children's show: Bluey! First, Laura gives Kara a list of 50 things Kara can do with her accidental bulk order of chopsticks. And then the ladies dive deep into the psychological benefits (and potential problems) with Bluey.  **Skip ahead to 21:38 to get straight to the review.**

Laura and Kara discuss and review the children's show: Absurd Planet! The ladies tell us why you need to proceed with caution, especially in episode 3. Kara tells the story of her 5 year old son trying to talk to girls, and Laura tells us why 99% of people are in therapy. **Skip ahead to 15:58 to get straight to the review.**

Laura and Kara discuss and review the children's show: Waffles + Mochi, starring Michelle Obama! (what?!)  Also,  learn how the ladies handle their picky little eaters, and what they plan to do with their kids...teeth?! Ew! **Skip ahead to 19:15 to get straight to the review.**

Laura and Kara discuss and review the children's show: Puffin Rock and they are not on the same page!  Also, Laura talks about playing the Cinderella's Wicked Step Mother with her daughter and Kara discusses grief during Covid.  **Skip ahead to the 21 minute mark to get straight to the review.**