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So, my boyfriend has an 11 yo who is moving in with us this summer. We're struggling with his TV choices though. He typically prefers programs that we understand to be geared toward younger children (typically around 8, sometimes younger (Spongebob, Ed Edd and Eddy, Arthur, Caillou)) OR shows that are too old (Family Guy, Robot Chicken) though he tends to prefer more younger shows.
Is it that bad to let him watch something that is rated "8+"? Would it be better if we could get him off of younger cartoons and onto live actor shows like Family Matters or Boy Meets World (yes, I know I'm dating myself here...) And any recommendations for where we can find a list of current tv shows geared toward 10+? Is letting him watch these younger shows discouraging him from maturing?
Those kids shows are fine for 11 year olds. I would say no to family guy type shows for another year or two. There is no need to "get him off" shows you think are too young. The only danger is exposing him to things he isn't ready for, not letting him enjoy cartoons.
My older two can pretty much watch whatever we watch. They don't always show interest in what we watch, but they're free to. We're very breezy about TV/movie content, so in the case of my kids, yes, those shows aren't even a blip on my radar.
My 14 yo is pretty mature for her age, but if her 11 yo sister is watching Sponge Bob, she watches it with her. I think it is one of those shows that crosses ages. It's also one of those shows that DRIVES ME CRAZY!
Now Calliou... That show was banned when my kids were little. I could watch Barney any time, but Calliou's whine was way too annoying!
I'd be more worried about him watching shows that were more appropriate for older kids than what he is watching. I work with kids, and I"m always floored when a 4 yo comes in talking about watching something like The Walking Dead.
Mine that age watches girl meets world, boy meets world, I Carly. We used to all enjoy phineus and Ferb. As a family we watch the middle, blackish, the Goldbergs, America's got talent.
How about science and nature shows? My 8 year old has been increasingly interested in those. The Nature Series on PBS, Nat Geo, BBC Earth etc. Most of them air around 7-9 pm, and are often available On Demand.
Good, educational shows with surprisingly high quality production value.
My 11 year old son is obsessed with cartoons and watches them all the time. But he also watches The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Doctor Who, Mythbusters, Master Chef, Survivor and American Ninja Warrior.
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