Calming Shows for Toddlers and Preschoolers
While too much screen time can adversely affect children, it’s OK to allow your child screen time throughout the day. Sometimes you need to cook dinner, make a phone call, or simply take a break from parenting. Letting your kids watch a show is a great way to entertain them while you get stuff done. However, not all shows are created equally. Ideally, you want the show your child watches to be calming, educational, and model good behavior. Many shows that are created for kids are filled with loud sounds and explosive action and are all-around overstimulating to young children.
Screen time may be an excellent way to help your child calm their brain and body when feeling overly excited. A calming show can help your child decompress and reset. However, it isn’t recommended to use a screen before bedtime as it can affect the quality of your child’s sleep.
How to Choose a Calming Show
When choosing a show for your young child, look for shows designed for their age. Show that have flashing lights, loud sounds, screaming characters, and fast-paced actions aren’t going to have a calming effect. Look for slower-paced shows with educational elements and pauses for kids to reflect or answer. Each child is different, so a show that seems calming to you may be too stimulating for them.
Calming Shows for Young Kids
Little Bear
Where to Watch: Amazon or ParamountPlus
Tumble Leaf
Where to Watch: Amazon
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Where to Watch: Amazon or MisterRogers.org
Puffin Rock
Where to Watch: Netflix
Peter Rabbit
Where to Watch: Amazon or Paramount Plus
Dinosaur Train
Where to Watch: Amazon or PBS Kids
Lily’s Driftwood Bay
Where to Watch: Nick Jr. or Amazon KidStream
Guess How Much I Love You
Where to Watch: Amazon
Sarah and Duck
Where to Watch: Amazon or Tubi
Franklin
Where to Watch: Amazon
Stella and Sam
Where to Watch: Amazon
Charlie and Lola
Where to Watch: Pluto TV
Daniel Tiger
Where to Watch: Amazon
Magic School Bus Rides Again
Where to Watch: Netflix or Amazon
Wild Kratts
Where to Watch: PBS Kids or Amazon
Nature Cat
Where to Watch: PBS Kids and Amazon
Curious George
Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Amazon, or Hulu
Classical Baby
Where to Watch: HBO
Reading Rainbow
Where to Watch: Reading Rainbow.org or Amazon
Dragon Tales
Where to Watch: Amazon
Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
Where to Watch: Amazon
Ask the StoryBots
Where to Watch: Netflix
Little Einsteins
Where to Watch: Disney+
