2 days ago
10 Calming Kids Shows for When the Little Ones Are, Um, Overstimulated
Tech has taken over and Gen Alpha is engaging with screens (and social media) more than ever before. The negative effects of unmitigated screen time are well-documented and there's a lot of content out there that feels like, well, a total assault on the senses—but that doesn't mean your kid can't enjoy some quality TV time. Instead, opt for one of these calming kids shows that promote social-emotional learning whilst keeping overstimulation at bay.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D, is a NYC-based neuropsychologist. She is also the founder and director of Comprehend the Mind. Hafeez received her doctorate from Hofstra University and went on to train as a neuropsychologist. Hafeez provides neuropsychological educational and developmental evaluations in her practice and also works with children and adults who suffer from PTSD, learning disabilities, autism, attention and memory problems, trauma and brain injury and abuse. Hafeez is an expert in childhood development and psychopathology.
Sometimes you don't know what's going to overstimulate your kid until the damage is already done, which is why I went to an expert for some advice on how to set yourself up for success when sifting through the chaos in search of calm. Per Dr. Hafeez, 'When choosing a calming TV show for kids, look for shows that move at a slow pace [with] soft music and gentle sounds to help kids stay relaxed instead of feeling wound up.' The expert also recommends sticking to 'simple stories that make it easy for children to understand what's happening.'
There are other factors to consider along with narrative quality and auditory stimulation—namely, the visual component. 'Avoid shows with bright flashes or fast changes from one scene to another, which can be too much for young viewers, and opt for warm colors and gentle animation styles that add a cozy feeling,' says Dr. Hafeez. Finally, it's important to keep in mind that messaging matters, too. If you turn on a show and there's a lot of arguing or snarky dialogue, it's probably not going to fit the calming profile. (You know, 'cause interpersonal conflict is, well, stressful.) Instead, look for content that makes kids feel safe with positive messages encouraging kindness, patience and empathy.
Episode Run Time: 20 minutes
Educational Value: positive messages about friendship and family
'This one is truly an enjoyable watch for kids and parents, not least because of Chris O'Dowd's soothing narration,' says PureWow's Executive Editor, Alexia Dellner. It's also at the very top of my list of calming shows for kids. My two children used to watch Puffin Rock exclusively when I first introduced screen time and this show about a family of puffins and their island friends is still a favorite for moments when we want to unwind with something quiet, slow-paced and sweet.
watch on netflix
Episode Run Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Educational Value: social-emotional lessons about empathy, positive messages about friendship
There's lots of social-emotional learning in this sweet and wholesome show about a six-year-old boy and his best friend, an anthropomorphized trash truck. I love this show because the gentle narratives of each episode emphasize the importance of empathy. Plus, the animation style is artistic and the pacing is calm, so you don't have to worry about overstimulation when you watch.
watch on netflix
Episode Run Time: 25 minutes
Educational Value: teaches learning through play, introduces STEM concepts, positive messages about friendship
Whimsical, artsy and full of creativity—my kids and I both find that the gentle dream-like pace, soft sounds and fantastical storylines of this show stir the imagination while soothing the senses. In each episode, the charming characters engage in imaginative play that reliably leads to an exciting discovery, typically one that relates to a simple science principle. In other words, Tumble Leaf is a calming show for kids that checks all the boxes.
watch on prime video
Episode Run Time: <10 minutes
Educational Value: social emotional learning, positive messages about family
I'm a huge fan of Bluey and my kids, ages 8 and 10, still get a kick out of the whacky antics of this beloved dog family and the heartwarming dynamic they share. The humor in the show is so spot-on that kids and parents alike will find it highly relatable, and the entire Bluey crew has charm in spades. Best of all, the inventive and very clever storylines are chock full of social emotional learning, but it's done in a way that doesn't feel patronizing or heavy-handed. (Psst: If you want to read more about why Bluey truly rocks, you can do so here.)
watch on disney+
Episode Run Time: 25 minutes
Educational Value: social emotional learning, positive messages about family and friendship
I adore this exceedingly gentle and quiet show based on Else Holmelund's book series about a bear family and their forest friends. The illustrations, which are done by Maurice Sendak, are beautiful and the wholesome storylines are full of whimsy and nostalgia. I recommend watching this one with your children right before bedtime for a feel-good family moment that will make everyone want to snuggle up and settle down.
watch on Paramount+
Episode Run Time: 28 minutes
Educational Value: encourages curiosity, kindness and emotional regulation
'Fred Rogers' gentle voice and kind spirit are a balm for toddlers and parents alike,' writes Executive Editor Dara Katz, adding that 'the series explores themes of kindness, emotional regulation and curiosity about the world around us without ever talking down to its viewers.' Indeed, Mister Rogers was the king of calm and the quality programming he produced has stood the test of time. Bottom line: take a trip to the Land-of-Make-Believe with this oldie-but-goodie and you won't regret it.
watch on pbs kids
Episode Run Time: 28 minutes
Educational Value: promotes literacy, imagination and storytelling
If you're not familiar with this show, it's hosted by LeVar Burton, who engages viewers with creative storytelling and interviews with authors before leaving them with several great book recommendations to explore. I grew up watching Reading Rainbow, so when I introduced it to my kids, I was fairly certain it would be too dated for them to enjoy. It turns out, I was wrong. Both my children frequently request this show—particularly when they are sick, sleepy or generally seeking calm—and it actually keeps them engaged with educational content that encourages literacy and inspires a love of reading. Katz agrees, writing that 'it's a perfect way to inspire your [child's] love for stories, and the theme song alone will be a lovely time capsule for you.'
watch on prime video
Episode Run Time: 11 minutes
Educational Value: encourages curiosity and discovery, positive messages about friendship and family
Here, a calming kids show based on the classic children's book by the same name. In each episode, Little Nut Brown Hare follows his curiosity wherever it leads him, with his forest friends by his side, before concluding his adventures with a loving reunion with his father. It's an endearing and heartfelt show for preschoolers that encourages independent thinking and friendship building whilst reinforcing those comforting feelings of safety and love in the home.
watch on Prime video
Episode Run Time: 25 minutes
Educational Value: promotes imagination and appreciation of music and art
Before naps went out the window, Classical Baby was our go-to naptime show and we still revisit it on sick days when something extra soothing is in order. Not only that, but many of the beautiful songs featured in this calming kids show are permanent fixtures on our bedtime playlist to this day. The best part of this entirely instrumental show is that the music comes from cultures all over the world and is beautifully paired with mesmerizing artwork. Trust me when I say, your kids won't miss the talking characters and structured storylines of other shows once this series sweeps them away.
watch on max
Episode Run Time: 12 minutes
Educational Value: promotes imagination, harmonious relationships between siblings, social emotional learning
Maybe it's the delightful dynamic between big sis and little bro, but my kids are very fond of this charming show about two siblings, the adventures they share and the support they provide one another. It's also worth noting that adults are entirely absent, as each episode is told from a child's perspective, so the wholesome storylines really encourage imagination, healthy independence and harmony between siblings.
watch on Prime video
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