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As mentioned in our most recent aVery Bright Life Podcast episode, here’s the running list of our favourite “CARROT” shows for younger kids, and for viewers with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Before we jump in, what are 🥕Carrot and Candy 🍭shows?
Well, we put entertainment into three categories at our house: Candy, Cotton Candy, and Carrot.
There’s definitely a time and place for all three types of viewing, but if left to her own devices (literally), my child would happily consume “Cotton Candy” YouTube shows all day, err day.
I mean, truthfully, so would I! I’m no stranger to the endless, mindless scroll on social media and the allure of trashy reality show TV. Apparently, I need MY mom to take my wifi away. I actually told my husband I couldn’t watch a movie with him in the basement because I was finishing a documentary. When he came upstairs for a snack and saw I was watching The Kardashians he had questions. “It’s a biopic!” I argued. So ya, I’m struggling with this too.
However, we’re trying our best. We have a list of approved “Carrot” shows taped to the wall beside the TV. If I say, “Carrot show please,” Avery can choose to turn the TV off and find something else to do. Or, she can choose a show from the Carrot list.
Candy Shows: These are You Tube and TV shows that are purely entertainment, with very little substance. They’re not banned in our house, but as we do with candy, these types of shows are consumed in moderation.
Candy Floss Shows: These shows are pure fluff. I’m talking about those You Tube shows where there’s nothing redeeming happening and there are zero takeaways. They’re guilty pleasure garbage. I know. I’m not one to talk. I just binged entire season of Love Is Blind. However, I’m the parent here and parents be parenting. LOL!
Carrot Shows: These shows are still enjoyable to watch, but are more nutritious for young brains—as determined by Common Sense Media (see below) and common sense me. 🙂
A few of our favourites in the 🥕 category:
Biopics: Biopics are different from documentaries, as they portray a dramatized version of a person’s life, often focusing on public or historical figures rather than using real-life footage. Avery and I watched the following biopics and found something enjoyable in each. After watching “Nyad,” Avery felt so inspired that she’s now set on swimming across Lake Ontario. It’s evident that the film had a profound impact on her! If you know of any more biopics to recommend, we’re always eager to discover positive and inspiring stories that we can learn from and aspire to.
- Nyad (Warning: There’s one scene you may want to skip)
- The Swimmers
- King Richard
- My Octopus Teacher
- I Am Greta
- Secretariat
- Hidden Figures
- Matildas: The World At Our Feet
- Soul Surfer
- The Walk
- The King’s Speech
- A Small Light
- Impact With Gal Gadot
- MPower
- Save Our Squad With David Beckam
- Thai Cave Rescue
- True Spirit
- Izzy’s Koala World
- History 101 (Netflix docuseries on a variety of events)
Edutainment: These shows have some form of underlying educational theme, but are still entertaining and enjoyable to consume.
*Find these on a variety of platforms including the usuals, depending on where you live… Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and old school cable. You can also check your local library for digital rentals.
- Mira, Royal Detective (Avery’s current fave)
- Karma’s World
- Super Why!
- Gabby’s Dollhouse
- Emily’s Wonderlab
- Magic School Bus
- Treehouse Detectives
- Julie’s Greenroom
- Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins
- Shipwreck Hunters Australia
- Trivia Quest
- Cesar Milan: Better Human, Better Dog
- Bill Nye: Science Guy
- Connected
- Science of Stupid (For the record, Avery does not approve of the word stupid. Apologies.)
- Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous
- Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory
- Secrets of the Elephants
- Wild Babies (wildlife docuseries)
- Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper
- Hailey’s On It!
- Mind Your Manners
- Waffles and Mochi’s Restaurant
- Great British Baking Show: Juniors
- School of Chocolate
- Baking Impossible
- Bake Squad
- Nadiya Bakes
To discover more carrot content (movies, TV, books, podcasts, games and apps), determine developmental age suitability, and read *reviews, you absolutely MUST bookmark www.commonsensemedia.org if you haven’t already. It’s a goldmine!
*Please note: This website is free, but you’re limited to just THREE free reviews per month. As a non-subscriber, I’m selective about the reviews I choose. Despite not subscribing, you still have complete searchability. I’ve found some excellent content here and wanted to share it with you. PS If you run out of reviews, www.RottenTomatoes.com is another good option.
