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
Get into the Halloween spirit with some spooky fun and celebrate with the animals at Grant's Farm. Enjoy Halloween tram rides featuring Halloween lights, spooky scenes, live actors, scare zones, a Halloween-themed show, monster mash party and more. Costumes are encouraged.
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Families and kids of all ages can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, many of your favorite Zoo exhibits and lots more at the Saint Louis Zoo's nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience Boo at the Zoo!
Boo at the Zoo is a long-time St. Louis family favorite, with fun, spellbinding decorations and great photo opportunities, spooktacular entertainment as actors bring the decorated areas to life, interaction with the animals, fun at the 4-D Theater, Conservation Carousel, and more.
Kids can trick or treat, and families can enjoy festive Halloween music, a pumpkin carving contest and more at the Great Pumpkin Glow in downtown Maplewood. The streets in downtown Maplewood will be glowing with luminaries and pumpkins, and businesses will be decked out for the season.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1and up can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!