Let’s face it: for a good while, I thought I was engaging in “Netflix and Chill,” but in reality, I was merely queuing up endless episodes of Peppa Pig just so I could have a moment to myself—whether that meant using the restroom or having a silent breakdown over a mountain of dishes that had been piling up for days. I soon discovered that what I was actually doing was “Netflix and Kids,” a completely different experience.
While Netflix and Chill involves enticing someone to your couch with the intention of watching a movie, only to end up in a more intimate scenario, Netflix and Kids is the polar opposite. The former is about connection, while the latter is about savoring precious moments of solitude. With Netflix and Kids, I can let the television entertain my children—whether it’s with those curious H2O Mako Mermaids or the thrilling adventures of Ninjago—allowing me to catch up on work, take a shower, or simply lie on a heap of unfolded laundry while I aimlessly scroll through my social media for far too long. All while my children are engrossed in content rated TV-Y or TV-G, or (in emergencies) TV-14.
Honestly, Netflix and Kids is far superior to Netflix and Chill! I don’t have to worry about shaving my legs, staying awake, smelling pleasant, or even being likable for Netflix and Kids to be a smashing success. After all, I’ve been married for over a decade, so the same principles would apply if I were to engage in Netflix and Chill—but you see my point: it requires no effort whatsoever.
Thank goodness for Netflix and Kids, which provides a necessary break for both my children and me. It’s essential for our sanity that we can separate for as many episodes of Pingu as possible. And a word of caution to those looking to replicate the Netflix and Chill experience: the very concept that led me to this point in life may have been rooted in some earlier “DVR and Engage” moments.
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In summary, Netflix and Kids offers a much-needed escape for parents looking to recharge while their children are entertained. It’s a reminder that sometimes, embracing the chaos of parenting can lead to moments of unexpected joy and relief.