Kid’s TV Isn’t Just For Kids
When I first came to this country in 1985, I had one three year old son. Afraid to drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and stuck ‘at home’ because of visa restrictions, my primary introduction to this country was through the television and the programmes that my son and I watched.
My education began with Thomas the Tank Engine and Postman Pat. Together we discovered Bungle and Zippy and laughed at the antics of Sooty and his friends. I loved Puddle Lane (my favourite was the one about the Dragon’s Egg). As my son got older it was Blue Peter and Art Attack (both of which I occasionally cursed soundly for putting that particular activity on this week, right after I tossed out the pile of egg boxes or loo roll tubes or…you name it). There was Children’s Ward and Press Gang – fond memories all.
When my son went to school – I didn’t stop watching tv programmes aimed at children. I was fascinated because I’d grown up on cartoons like The Roadrunner, The Flintstones, Speed Racer and Simba the White Lion. But TV shows over here had REAL PEOPLE. And they were for kids! I’d tape shows like The Experimenter and that one about the magical grandfather who took the children to visit Samuel Pepys London and the Great Fire (I forget the name) for Mike and I to watch later. Never mind my son – I got a fantastic education about the country we were now living in – by watching children’s TV.
In the years since we first arrived, I’ve divorced and remarried and have two more sons. They grudgingly allowed me to watch the Worst Witch. How and How 2 have been favourites all the way along – even my ‘new’ husband will break off to watch them. I’ve watched re-runs of Woof with a smile. I hated Tracy Beaker when it first came on, but like the character, the show grew on me – despite the misbehaviours it caused in our house. We all howl our disappointment or disbelief when there’s a crap team on Jungle Run. We still watch Art Attack (although now the boys can raid the green recycling box for card). We catch bits and snatches of oh – that one with the bear – I can’t think of the name and the newspaper’s TV guide doesn’t even list children’s programmes anymore.
That’s appalling. And it’s wrong. Our children deserve better than old US animated re-runs. Our children deserve better than to be left out of the listings! And our children are not the only ones who benefit from children’s programmes. Every immigrant that comes to this country who has children can learn, just like I did, about the country they have come to live in – by being good parents and watching with their children.
Save Kids TV…it’s not just for kids. It’s for all of Britain and all who come to her shores.
Michelle Wilbye is a mother, wife and aspiring writer, who came all the way from California in August 1985 - and never left. She’s hoping the authorities won’t notice. She also has a couple of ideas for children’s programmes.
