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This post contains several great TV show suggestions. For a newer, much longer list of movie and TV show recommendations, please see Wholesome, Uplifting and Clean Movies – The Master List! and Wholesome, Uplifting and Clean TV Shows – Huge List! Both of these lists will be updated frequently, so check them often for new recommendations!
There are those moments in parenthood, when you just need the kids to sit still and be quiet. In fact, this is a daily need in our house – for the sanity of my kids and myself.
But we all know kids won’t just sit and be quiet without a little help. This is when I call upon my most favorite baby-sitter.
Thank you, Netflix.
Yes, I shamelessly let my kids watch some TV most every day.
However, I am very picky about what they can watch on Netflix and I monitor it very closely. These are influential years, and I only want the best things entering into those little brains.
I want to provide you with a list of our top 10 favorite TV shows for kids, that teach good things – all to be found on instant streaming through Netflix (or some with your Amazon Prime membership).
When the baby is napping, the kids pull out a device and we connect it to our chromecastand the kids spend some downtime watching TV while I get some work done.
Through the years of listening/watching these kid shows in the background I have determined there are ones I absolutely love the kids to watch based on what they teach and how they influence behavior. I’ve also discovered the ones I simply make them turn off . . . but that is a discussion for another day.
Let me take you through the TV shows on Netflix that fill these little souls with education, inspiration, good values and appropriate life skills.
{These are all shows my kids ages 3-9 enjoy. Some are more appealing to the younger and others to the older – but they have all watched and enjoyed each show at some point. Each movie title is an affiliate link, which will take you to Amazon.com for the purpose of reading reviews, movie details/synopsis or purchase. Otherwise, you may simply search the title while logged in to your Netflix Subscription}.
1. Wild Kratts
All thanks to this wildlife adventure show, my oldest daughter became an animal enthusiast. After making her way through every episode, she was checking out wildlife books from the library and wanting to look up animals on the computer. She was sharing all sorts of fun facts about creatures of all kinds with me throughout her discoveries. It was so enjoyable to watch. Wild Kratts is about 2 brothers who start as real life characters and imagine “what if’s” about wildlife – which then takes you to their animated adventures. It is all very educational and fascinating, but my favorite part about this show is the relationship expressed between the brothers. So much I see on TV, especially with kid shows, is sarcasm and put-downs as humor. These brothers find a way to add humor and entertainment without any of that negativism. They encourage and support each other. I could just hug the makers of Wild Kratts. All my kids enjoy watching this together and I feel great turning it on for them.
2. Signing Time
I literally did a victory dance when this popped up on Netflix recently. We have bought some of these instructional sign language movies for kids and treasured them in our home. My 1 year old asks to watch his baby signing time every single day – with the cutest darn sign he makes for his request. My first child wasn’t talking when we felt she was ready to, but once she began watching these shows – her vocabulary took off. The problem was, these great movies do get pricey and I wanted to, but couldn’t buy them all. Now, we have access to many episodes all through our Netflix subscription, and I couldn’t be happier. We love using sign language in our home from the signs taught in these shows. They are very entertaining and the kids are actively engaged during the whole episode. Of course, there are the numerous benefits to learning a different language and exposing our children to the variety of people in the world around them. I am a HUGE Signing Time fan!
3. VeggieTales
This is a show for the whole family! I just have to be careful not to turn it on when I want my husband to be productive. He’ll easily get glued to the TV with the kids, and giggling like a little school boy through the whole thing. This talking vegetable show is quite humorous, but that is not even the best thing about it. Pick any wonderful value you want to teach your children (slow to anger, honesty, loyalty, etc.), and there is sure to be an episode to suit your needs. They are mostly based on scripture stories found in the Bible, which just thrills me. My daughter gained a great love and respect for Esther after watching the VeggieTales show based on her, and then we read about her in the Bible.
4. Ruff Ruff Man
As far as reality game shows go, this one is a win for kids! My kids are exposed to places, careers, sights and many other things that they would never get to see otherwise. Even though it is a show filled with pre-teens (and a talking dog), my little ones really love it. They are never inappropriate, and express a love for learning and discovery that excites my children. I have even caught them in their play participating in a challenge they have seen from this show. I LOVE it when that happens. Go FETCH!
5. Daniel Tiger
Okay – I’ll be honest. This show drives me nuts. The repetitive songs that run through my head all day long can make me crazy – but . . . I cannot deny how helpful some episodes have been in my parenting attempts. Pretty sure my youngest would still not be potty trained if Daniel Tiger hadn’t en-grained it in her head “If you gotta go potty – STOP – and go right away”. Or with every cold she gets I remind her “When your sick, rest is best, rest is best.” And I am always amazed that “You can take a turn, and then I’ll get it back”, works every time when my kids are fighting over a toy. It’s like magic! Daniel Tiger and I have somewhat of a love/hate relationship.
6. Magic School Bus
Yes, the same one you watched as a kid. It’s an oldie, but goodie – and I was thrilled to introduce it to my kids when I saw it on Netflix. I can still remember watching the episode as a kid, where the magic bus travels through a human body and it’s digestive functions. And now my kids talk about it all the time. Sweet nostalgia.
7. Justin Time
All my kids will watch this adventure packed show, but my 4 year old daughter is OBSESSED with it. It is the number one request she makes when it comes to quiet time. It involves 3 loyal friends and their trips to the past, exploring places, culture, and landmarks – all while learning valuable life behavior skills. Its fun and educational, but not annoyingly so like other preschool movies (cough . . . Dora . . . cough).
8. Curious George
Ah, a timeless classic. This curious little monkey teaches so many good things to my kids. Curiosity, learning, consideration for others, loyalty and love – to name a few. I especially like the little blurps they do of real life kids exploring the world around them at the end of the episodes. Brings the lessons taught by that monkey, right back home.
9. Super Why
Kids with super powers teaching my kids super skills. This PBS show does a surprisingly good job at introducing my kids to the alphabet and reading. I watched in amazement one time as my then 5 year old had this “ah ha” moment with the concept that letters come together to make words by watching Super Why. Any show that can do that is worth my time. Along with teaching the alphabet, I love how it shares classic storybook stories and values. Wonderful educational flick for the kids.
10. Sesame Street
Netflix has probably had Sesame Street available for a long time, but it is a new discovery for us. Did you know that it appears they have every episode ever made right at your fingertips?! I can remember having to wake up really early just to catch Sesame Street as a kid on TV. I think we are all aware of all the goodness those furry monsters share with our kids, and it is great to have it all available to us on our time. Some of my kids have liked Sesame Street more than others, but if they let me choose the show this is generally the one I pick for them. Whether they love it or not, they all seem to have their eyes and brains fixed on the screen.
11. Caillou
I know – I said 10. But I am throwing one in for good measure. This bald little boy is just so stinkin’ adorable for preschool age children. All my kids went through a Caillou phase. My favorite thing about Caillou isn’t the education it offers, but the imagination. Let them be little!
I hope you have enjoyed my suggestions and reviews and found them helpful. Are any of these titles your favorites for your kids? Did I miss any that everyone should know about? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you are looking for a show for yourself, head on over HERE to read my “Top 10 Clean Feel-Good TV Shows to Watch on Netflix”. These are all films I can’t live without!
If you like my reviews, you may want to read my personal experience with 6 subscription boxes for kids and a guide to choosing the best one for your child. Go HERE.
Thanks for coming by!
*I have included affiliate links in this article. But rest assured, I only recommend products I use and love!
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***All images were found onAmazon.com
