The BEST Kid Shows That Parents Don't Need To Worry About

Sometimes it’s hard to know as a parent what shows are good for kids. Here’s my list of the best kid shows that I recommend your kids watch.

One of the hardest challenges I face as a parent is screen time. I always feel like we give my children too much time on the screens. It’s something we are working on. But the one thing I am proud of is that we have carefully chosen TV shows that we know our children are learning something while also holding their attention. One of my biggest pet peeves is a TV show with too much stimulation (Yes, I’m talking about CoComelon. It’s a horrible show filled with high-stimulation techniques that children don’t need to watch.)

What I mean by a show that parents don’t need to worry about is that parents can turn this show on and know that they can leave the room and their kids will still learn important lessons.

The lists below are the best TV shows for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school children. I have also included where you can stream these shows or you can buy the DVD with the link.

All of these are my opinion as a mom of four who judges TV shows based on the language they use, the lessons they teach children and entertainment value. All these shows are ones that my children enjoy. The age cap is Elementary school kids because my oldest is not a middle-schooler so I have no idea what they watch.

Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost to you).

Best Kids Shows for Toddlers

Sesame Street- Sesame Street will always be the number one show for toddlers. This show teaches numbers, letters, science skills, and social skills. Also, the characters are unique and hold a special spot in my children’s hearts. You can stream Sesame Street on PBS Kids a FREE app on your smart TV, iPad, or tablet or grab this DVD:https://amzn.to/4ikth4E

Bubble Guppies- This is my second favorite show for toddlers. I love all the lessons they teach children in a fun and engaging way. Each episode focuses on one subject and teaches the viewers all about that subject. You can stream Bubble Guppies on Paramount+ or grab this DVD:https://amzn.to/4iAjSWp

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood- This was a show I hadn’t really watched until I had my youngest. He loves Daniel Tiger! This show is a spin-off of Mister Rodger’s Neighborhood and has similar teaching methods. Children learn about subjects and easy songs to help them through things they experience like potty training, parents leaving, and sharing. You can stream it on PBS Kids or grab your copy of this DVD: https://amzn.to/4kQ9xHN

Little Einstein’s- This was another show I hadn’t watched until my oldest was born. I had heard about this show from different parents and thought I would check it out. Little Einsteins focuses on music learning for children. Your toddler will learn music skills and different pieces of classical music. You can stream this show on Disney+ or grab a DVD here: https://amzn.to/4hkjI4h

Best Kid Shows for Preschoolers

Bluey- You can put this show in any age category because if you turn it on, your kids will LOVE it! But I feel like toddlers don’t “get” the nuances of this show. My kids love this show and we typically watch it before bed because the episodes are about 7 minutes long. Each episode focuses on a subject and teaches children some social or life skills. Warning: you WILL fall in love with this show and aspire to be Chili and Bandit (Bluey’s parents). Watch Bluey on Disney+ or grab your copy: https://amzn.to/4bzPBVh

Wild Kratts- If your child is interested in animals and learning all about them then you need to check out Wild Kratts. The Kratt brothers spend the episode becoming whatever animals they are highlighting and give facts about them to the children watching. It’s funny and informative! My children love this show. Stream it on PBS Kids or grab this DVD: https://amzn.to/4bXoL9w

Paw Patrol- Paw Patrol is one of the best shows for preschoolers. Almost every kid has enjoyed this show. This show focuses on problem-solving skills, teamwork, and how everyone has a job to do. If you watch this show you will want to finish the episode just to see how the Paw Patrol fixes the problem. Steam this show on Paramount+ or grab a copy of this DVD: https://amzn.to/4kCK1FK

Blaze and The Monster Machines- Blaze and the Monster Machines is a great show for preschoolers because it teaches children math skills in a fun way. I love it when a kid show sneakily teaches math skills to kids without being boring. You can stream this show on Paramount+ or grab this DVD: https://amzn.to/4kzoGNo

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Best Kid Shows for Elementary Age Kids

Arthur- A classic kids TV show from when I was in elementary school. I love turning this on for my older boys because sometimes there are new episodes that I haven’t seen before. Arthur teaches children lessons about life. Like Daniel Tiger, Arthur teaches children how to deal with things they are experiencing in their lives. You can stream this show on PBS Kids or grab your copy of this DVD: https://amzn.to/3DRHpmO

Sofia The First- I think this is one of the best kid shows for children who love Disney Princesses. Sofia learns life lessons from a princess in most episodes. She learns what it means to be a princess and a good person. You can stream this show on Disney+ or grab your copy of this DVD: https://amzn.to/3E1pQRb

Odd Squad- If you want a show for older kids that teaches math skills then The Odd Squad is perfect for you. My older boys love it when I turn this on because they are both interested in math and science. You can stream it on PBS Kids or grab a copy of this DVD: https://amzn.to/4bXp8Rs

Final Thoughts

These are my list of the BEST kid shows that parents don’t need to worry about. One of the best things bout this list is that they are (this) parent-approved. Which means that I enjoy watching these shows too. If you have any kid shows that your family enjoys let me know in the comments below. If you are a mother of a middle schooler, please give me some shows that your kids watch. I love hearing from all of you.

Lastly, if you enjoyed this post please don’t hesitate to share this on your social media. I appreciate all the love and support.

Thanks for reading,

Kel