Bears and Bands

Sam has graduated from Little Bear to something a bit more mature: The Fresh Beat Band. Every time she watches the real TV (as opposed to the iPad), she asks for Fresh Beat Band. It’s a bit disconcerting because she has never asked for anything but Little Bear before. Ever. And now, she doesn’t want him anymore. At least she kept watching long enough so that her brother and sister can take over this very important responsibility soon. I’m not sure I can live without Little Bear.

I just re-read my first post about this most wonderful TV show - from over four years ago! – and I still feel the exact same way: the show is still the very best thing on TV that I’ve seen for toddlers/pre-schoolers. I’m impressed at how I knew from the start that it would be a huge part of our lives. It really has been. I’ve probably told Sam a thousand stories based on Little Bear. We talk about Little Bear like he’s a member of the family. The music puts both me and Adam to sleep because we’ve used the show as a babysitter for adult naps so many times.

As kids’ TV shows go, The Fresh Beat Band is pretty good. It can be a bit pedantic, but it is not overly so. The music is okay. The sets and costumes are colorful but not chaotic. The dancing is fun. The kids in the band respect and like each other and have a good time. Importantly, it’s not cynical. I’m sure many adults are turned off by its sickly sweetness, but to me, that is its virtue. And in that way, it is exactly like Little Bear. I’m gratified that Sam is drawn to this and not the kind of show where the kids ridicule adults, or gripe about school, or dutifully volunteer at the old folks’ home.

The Fresh Beat Band tells me I’m doing something right.