Loony Over Toons
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"Mama, that's Jerry's cousin Larry. He's a really good magician," Grace, 7, tells me with complete certainty as we're watching "Tom and Jerry." Since neither Tom nor Jerry ever speak a word, I realize she has deduced her facts from observing only moments of action and music.
When I ask how she knows all this, she says, "They're cousins because they hugged each other like family." She adds, "He's a magician because he's wearing a magic hat (top hat), a cape, and has a wand." And as for the name Larry, she explains that his suitcase had his name on it. So much for my powers of observation.
This whole interaction gets me thinking about animated shows and how Grace's "old school" choices all seem to follow a certain format that's short on dialogue. After watching many of my favorite shows again with Grace, I realize these characters -- Tom and Jerry, Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, the Pink Panther, and the classic Mickey Mouse -- rely on music, action, zany sound effects, and the occasional label or sign to communicate most of the story, which leaves a lot of room for kids to use their imaginations to put the pieces together.
Deciphering the stories has become a little tradition between Grace and me. I'll nonchalantly ask what's happening in a cartoon and will get the funniest or most creative narrative based on her version of the story.
And while I love the golden oldies, Grace does fit some 21st century stuff into her TV-viewing budget -- "Kim Possible" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" -- which conversely requires me to explain things. And we've discovered a new show that fits right in with our vintage favorites: a claymation series with characters spun off from the "Wallace and Gromit" series, called "Shaun the Sheep" (www.shaunthesheep.com/).
As a parent, it's a little dose of liberation to approach the TV (usually the sworn enemy) in a more lighthearted manner. And while I'll never advocate for more TV time for my kids, I have found a way to look at things a little differently.
Have you found yourself watching cartoons with your kids? Which ones do you prefer they watch? Click the comments link below to share ideas.
Member Comments On…
Loony Over Toons
My three year old daughter watches Playhouse Disney and Scooby Doo. When there is nothing on tv we put in Playhouse Disney videos or Scooby Doo so we know what she is watching If she is not outside playing or sleeping. It is comming harder and harder to find FAMILY programs that everyone can enjoy and watch. It is such a shame.
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My son is 4 and he finds tom and jerry very entertaining. He is very observative and always asks alot of questions about whats going on. I like to stick with Nick jr. annd Playhouse Disney. Every time shows like Spongebob Squarepants come on we always change the channel. Shows that have no moral value i dont agree with.
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I got on DVD. The Adventures of Paddington Bear, The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin Vol 1, Adventures Of The Gummi Bears Vol 1, Chip 'n' Dale RR Vol 1-2, Darkwing Duck Vol 1-2, DuckTales Vol 1-3, TaleSpin Vol 1-2, Speed Racer Vol 1-5
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I actually look forward to Arthur, which has something for everyone... my kids are about as far apart as Arthur and DW. It's entertaining for an older kid but never inappropriate for a young one. And of course, Sesame Street!
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My son 6 and loves tom and jerry also woody wood pecker he likes some of the old ones and he loves scooby doo as well
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We love watching Diego, Dora, Little Einsteins, as well as the old favorites. Shaun the Sheep is hilarious. We also like a short called Minuscule. It comes on in between other shows on Disney. Its another one that has no talking and my guys (from 12-5 years) laugh hysterically. Try Scooby Doo as well.
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Cartoons! We loved to oldies when my kids were little and I watched with them for the same reason you do. I used it as together time with my kids; a cool down from the days activities. And would we talk. About everything on them from what they were doing to how we knew. The things kids pick up that we miss. My kids used to love trying to figure out Wile E. Coyotes newest contraption as he was putting it together. Made my son want to study and learn how to build a small catapult. Whoo hoo, physics...since we homeschooled, I used it as jumping off subjects for my kids. Since they were interested in the subject matter, they really hung on it. When my daughter tried her hand at drawing cartoons, it evolved into her desire to become a graphic artist. Now, at 17, she has been accepted to a fabulous art school for college. ;) Thanks Bugs!
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My 5 year old has been watching T&J for awhile now and loves it. I figured if he likes that then maybe he will also like my old favs., like the snorks and the smurfs! He likes the smurfs better. Super Why is an awesome show that seems to make all kids glued to the tv no matter what age! My youngest (2) is stuck on Dora right now and my oldest likes learning chinese from NI Hao, Khai Lan! Meanwhile I catch up on the news voa the computer!! :o)
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My kids LOVE Tom and Jerry! They make up stories where they each play a part. Then there's Max and Ruby...I think they really take to that show because it matches their family dynamic as far as the older sister, younger brother. But the best of the best for my three year old son is Super Why. He loves to start his day with that show! And I can get a shower knowing he'll be glued to the couch shouting letters and sounding out words!
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My 4-yr-old is watching Tom&Jerry right now. He LOVES them! I like that I remember watching these same cartoons when I was his age. We really try to watch things that will teach him something good, and T&J don't really fit this bill, but the laughs that come out of this lil kid just make me laugh too, and that's worth it to me.
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