My kids are huge fans of PBS, soaking up all sorts of fascinating facts like how avalanches can race down mountains at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour and why the sky is blue (thanks to light scattering). They even grasp basic math, like 4+3 equaling 7. But while they’re learning about shapes, colors, and the occasional dinosaur, I can’t help but wish PBS would introduce a show dedicated to practical life skills. I mean, sure, it’s great to learn about sharing and curiosity, but wouldn’t it be useful to know things like “don’t poke a bear” — especially if it’s angry?
So, let’s not stop at just bears. Here are 20 essential lessons I think PBS should teach our kiddos:
- Always knock before entering Mom and Dad’s room.
- The bathroom is off-limits too!
- Chasing the dog with a spatula while howling like a siren? Not cool.
- Sneaking food under the table for the dog is a no-go.
- Bathwater is not deadly, despite your suspicions.
- The couch is not the place for ninja training.
- Girls don’t appreciate being hit with sticks or called silly names.
- Absolutely do NOT stick gum under the chair.
- And definitely don’t eat the gum you just stuck there!
- Real-life Fruit Ninja with an actual knife? Just no.
- Those organic bananas were $47, for crying out loud!
- If you step in dog poop, take your shoes off before entering the house.
- An entire roll of toilet paper will not flush.
- You can’t call your sibling names, no matter how you feel.
- If Mom says not to hit your brother, don’t resort to booger-wiping as retaliation.
- You need water and soap to wash your hands, not just water or a whole bottle of soap!
- Washable markers don’t mean you can color the walls, floors, or yourself — or your sibling!
- If you hit another kid with your plastic sword, expect to be hit back.
- When we say “use your words,” we don’t mean throwing tantrums.
- If you make a mess and ignore three warnings, expect some serious consequences from Mom.
Imagine how much fun it would be if PBS spruced things up a bit! Maybe they could have a character like Daniel Tiger get put in timeout for being whiny, or have Abby Cadabby’s spells go hilariously wrong, turning her into a houseplant. There are so many creative ways PBS could help kids understand that acting out has consequences in the real world.
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In summary, PBS could really up its game by incorporating practical life lessons into its programming. Kids would benefit from learning about real-life situations, making them better prepared for the world outside.