As a “crunchy” mom, I’m always on the lookout for ways to nurture my children’s growth and development naturally and holistically. One area where this is especially important is television. While I limit screen time, I understand that it can be a useful tool when chosen carefully. Low-stimulation shows are a great way to ensure that the content is gentle, educational, and calming. Here’s a list of the best low-stimulation kids’ TV shows, categorized by streaming service.
Low-stimulation Shows for Kids on Every Streaming Service
Netflix
- Puffin Rock
- Synopsis: Follow Oona and Baba, two adorable puffins, as they explore their island home, learning about nature and friendship.
- Why It’s Great: The gentle storytelling and soothing animation make it perfect for young children.
- Ask the StoryBots
- Synopsis: Curious little robots find answers to kids’ big questions in a fun and educational way.
- Why It’s Great: It’s educational, funny, and engaging without being overly stimulating.
- Trash Truck
- Synopsis: Six-year-old Hank and his best friend, a giant Trash Truck, go on fun and imaginative adventures.
- Why It’s Great: The simple animation and gentle storytelling create a calming viewing experience.
Disney+
- Bluey
- Synopsis: Bluey, a 6-year-old Blue Heeler pup, turns everyday family life into extraordinary adventures.
- Why It’s Great: The same gentle, imaginative play and family bonding that make it a hit on Netflix.
- Doc McStuffins
- Synopsis: A young girl named Doc McStuffins fixes broken toys with the help of her stuffed animal friends.
- Why It’s Great: Promotes empathy and problem-solving with a soothing narrative.
- Sofia the First
- Synopsis: A young girl named Sofia becomes a princess and learns valuable life lessons.
- Why It’s Great: The series focuses on kindness, courage, and friendship in a calming, magical setting.
Amazon Prime Video
- Tumble Leaf
- Synopsis: Follow Fig the fox as he explores a whimsical island and makes discoveries.
- Why It’s Great: The stop-motion animation and gentle storytelling make it ideal for preschoolers.
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
- Synopsis: Based on the popular book series, this show follows a mouse and his friends on various gentle adventures.
- Why It’s Great: The stories are simple, charming, and lightly educational.
- Creative Galaxy
- Synopsis: Arty and his friends solve problems using creativity and art.
- Why It’s Great: Encourages creativity and art appreciation in a calm, supportive environment.
- Little Bear
- Synopsis: Little Bear and his friends explore the world around them and learn valuable life lessons.
- Why It’s Great: The show’s gentle pace and timeless storytelling are perfect for young viewers.
Apple TV+
- Helpsters
- Synopsis: A team of helpful monsters solve problems in a fun and educational way.
- Why It’s Great: Promotes teamwork and problem-solving with a gentle, positive approach.
- Ghostwriter
- Synopsis: A group of kids work together to solve mysteries with the help of a ghost who communicates through writing.
- Why It’s Great: Encourages literacy and critical thinking in a calm, engaging format.
- Stillwater
- Synopsis: Three siblings learn valuable life lessons from their wise panda friend, Stillwater.
- Why It’s Great: The show incorporates mindfulness and emotional intelligence with beautiful, serene animation.
Hulu
- Peep and the Big Wide World
- Synopsis: Peep, Chirp, and Quack explore their world and learn about science and nature.
- Why It’s Great: The simple animation and gentle humor make it perfect for young viewers.
- Franklin and Friends
- Synopsis: Franklin the turtle and his friends navigate life’s challenges with kindness and perseverance.
- Why It’s Great: Promotes empathy and social skills in a calm, nurturing setting.
- The Adventures of Paddington
- Synopsis: Paddington Bear writes letters to his Aunt Lucy, sharing his adventures in London.
- Why It’s Great: The show is sweet, gentle, and full of positive messages about kindness and curiosity.
As a somewhat crunchy mom who’s constantly aware of the screens my kids encounter, I strive to find the balance between allowing screen time and ensuring the content is beneficial for my children’s development. These low-stimulation shows are perfect for those quiet moments when you need a little break but still want your kids to engage with wholesome, calming, and educational content. Happy viewing!
