We try to limit our 3-year-old’s television viewing, sticking with Blue’s Clues before daycare, American Idol and The Middle (since she has a crush on Brick
**whispering** Brick). Sometimes, things like COPS and Entertainment Tonight accidentally slip through the cracks. I know, I know, take my mommy badge away from me now.
So when Discovery Channel’s gorgeous documentary series Life premiered on March 21, we were ecstatic to find an educational show we could all enjoy together. In fact, we were only three of the 11.8 million viewers nationwide who caught the premiere on Sunday.
Life is visually stunning, grabbing viewers from their sofas and plopping them in the middle of the rainforest or the Dead Sea. The tales of survival are particularly thrilling. Watching a baby ibex try to flee from a ravenous fox had me on the edge of my seat more than Paranormal Activity did.
Challenges of Life was the first episode, and true to its name, it spotlighted hunting and breeding, which worried me since there was a 3-year-old sitting with me on the couch. She’s heard Elton John sing about the circle of life a million times, but seeing it up close and personal – eek! Though we chose to flip the channel when three cheetahs took down an ostrich, we let her experience other worlds she may never see in person.
Too heavy for a toddler? Perhaps, but she was enthralled the entire episode.
The Discovery Channel runs two episodes of Life on Sunday evenings beginning at 7 p.m. Upcoming episodes include:
By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.
Meet up in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
The Gateway to Reading program is a parent-child workshop that focuses on strengthening reading skills while engaging in fun, literacy-based activities. Participants will receive a free toolkit of materials to help children in their reading journey.
March brings a very special kind of tropical madness to the Butterfly House in Faust Park! Thousands of breathtaking Blue Morpho butterflies take up residence to welcome spring.
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.