Let’s be honest, screen time happens. Sure, we start summer with intentions of grand adventures and high-quality family time. But by week two of feeding 7 people roughly 17 meals a day? I find myself handing over the remote and whispering, “Go forth, little screen zombie,” while I attempt to jam one final pot into the bottom rack of the dishwasher. I used to dream of craft time, reading circles, and hikes up Zion. Now I just dream of going pee alone—and screen time makes that dream possible.
The good news is: not all shows are just noise and fart humor with a plotline written by a hamster on a sugar high. Some shows actually have value. Heart. Humor. And dare I say… character development?
These are six shows that I am happy to give a stamp of approval on when it’s 109 degrees outside, the kids are bouncing off the walls and landing on each other’s heads, and I need some sanity.
1. Bluey (Disney+)
I don’t know how they do it, but Bluey episodes can make me sob in under seven minutes. Season 3, episode 47—“Cricket”? Come. On. So many amazingly layered characters and absolutely gorgeous story telling.
This Heeler family models empathy, imagination, emotional maturity, and sibling love—all without being preachy or obnoxious. It’s brilliant. It’s beautiful. It’s better than most adult TV. Honestly, Bluey is doing more for my parenting skills than all the parenting books on my shelf… possibly because I haven’t read said books yet, but still. (Although, I do actually really recommend this one.)
2. Wild Kratts (PBS Kids / Prime Video)
My son loves animal facts more than life itself. And Wild Kratts speaks his love language. The blend of live-action nature segments and animated adventures hits that sweet spot between educational and creative.
He gets to see real animals doing real things, and then watch the Kratt brothers turn into animal-powered superheroes and save the day. His little scientist brain is happy—and I love watching it happen.
3. Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix)
To the college boyfriend that tried to introduce me to this show when I was a wee lass of 19- I’m sorry. You were right. I was wrong. This show is AMAZING.
Avatar has an amazing crew of characters who learn, struggle, grow, and show what it means to persevere, face fears, and fight for what’s right. It inspires kids to believe they can be more than they thought they were capable of.
Also, the romance subplot is adorable and not the main focus—which is rare and refreshing. It’s adventure, humor, heart, and honor wrapped up in beautiful animation. Just watch it.
**Important mom note: Legend of Korra (the sequel) goes in a different direction and isn’t as family-friendly. Stick with Aang and the gang.
4. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS Kids)
This show is basically a toddler toolkit in disguise. The songs aren’t just catchy—they’re parenting tools. Not just parenting tools, honestly. “When you feel so mad that you want to roar… take a deep breath, and count to four.” That’s not just for toddlers. That’s for me in the Costco parking lot.
It’s warm, fuzzy, calm, and gentle. A safe place for your little one’s big emotions—and your grown-up ones, too.
5. Tumble Leaf (Prime Video)
Tumble Leaf opens it’s episodes with us litterally watching a leaf blow through the wind. THAT IS THE PACE I NEED IN LIFE. It’s peaceful and thoughtful, which is a rare gift in a world of flashing lights and loudness.
When life is overstimulating and I want to turn the TV on without adding to to the chaos, this is a solid choice. It’s creative, curious, and genuinely calming. I’ve taken a couch nap or two to the tune of Fig and Stick on an adventure.
6. Phineas and Ferb (Disney+)
Okay, so I should preface this one: it’s not calm and soothing like the others shows on this list. The energy is high and the tone is zaney. HOWEVER, it is silly without being stupid and that is a rare find in todays world. This show is pure whacky, smart fun. It’s been a long-time favorite in our house because it’s genuinely clever, full of heart, and has shockingly great music. Like… legit bangers.
You’ve got summer adventures, sibling teamwork, a secret agent platypus, and an oddly loveable evil scientist. There are tons of one liners and catch phrases that we’ve adopted in our home thanks to this show and that brings us a feeling of family unity.
The Point
I’m all for wholesome, screen-free activities—nature walks, puzzles, homemade bird feeders made out of toilet paper rolls. But let’s be real: some days, survival means turning on a show so I can fold a single load of laundry without all 5 of my kids asking me questions on a loop. And if the kids are going to watch something, it might as well be something uplifting. Remember that, like most things in life, moderation is the key. Screen time isn’t failure, it’s strategy.
