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
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Little Bear
Where to Watch: Amazon or ParamountPlus
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Tumble Leaf
Where to Watch: Amazon
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Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Where to Watch: Amazon or MisterRogers.org
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Puffin Rock
Where to Watch: Netflix
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Peter Rabbit
Where to Watch: Amazon or Paramount Plus
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Dinosaur Train
Where to Watch: Amazon or PBS Kids
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Lily’s Driftwood Bay
Where to Watch: Nick Jr. or Amazon KidStream
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Guess How Much I Love You
Where to Watch: Amazon
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Sarah and Duck
Where to Watch: Amazon or Tubi
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Franklin
Where to Watch: Amazon
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Stella and Sam
Where to Watch: Amazon
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Charlie and Lola
Where to Watch: Pluto TV
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Daniel Tiger
Where to Watch: Amazon
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Magic School Bus Rides Again
Where to Watch: Netflix or Amazon
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Wild Kratts
Where to Watch: PBS Kids or Amazon
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Nature Cat
Where to Watch: PBS Kids and Amazon
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Curious George
Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Amazon, or Hulu
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Classical Baby
Where to Watch: HBO
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Reading Rainbow
Where to Watch: Reading Rainbow.org or Amazon
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Dragon Tales
Where to Watch: Amazon
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Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
Where to Watch: Amazon
![](https://i0.wp.com/bhonestmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ask-the-storybots.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
Ask the StoryBots
Where to Watch: Netflix
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Little Einsteins
Where to Watch: Disney+