Old trends from the ‘90s and 2000s are coming back into the fray when it comes to fashion, music…and now with’ TV shows too. 

In an effort to limit young kids’ exposure to overstimulating modern media, many millennial parents are showing their little ones shows from their childhood that are slower-paced than many of today’s options.  The name for this concept is “the slow TV” movement, and it’s backed by science. 

Experts have found that faster-paced shows can negatively affect children’s emotional regulation and behavior patterns; in fact, too much screen time in general can influence how kids feel, think, and act, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Additionally, Dr. Zabina Bhasin tells Good Morning America that such media can be harmful for young minds, and “may lead to shorter attention spans, heightened irritability, and impulsive behaviors as their brains struggle to adjust to less stimulating environments.”

So, many parents of the toddler set are not completely forbidding screen time, but rather  switching to quieter shows with fewer scene changes and in-your-face visuals. Among the popular options from yesteryear that fit the bill are Little Bear, Rugrats, Franklin, The Berenstain Bears, and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood (the OG Daniel Tiger!). A handful of today’s programming for kids is low-stimulation too, with Disney’s Bluey an obvious standout.

The slow TV movement is making its way across TikTok, but it came up recently in an IRL Whatsapp group I’m in too. A mom asked for recommendations of “chill shows” for her toddler who was having trouble sleeping, and Little Bear and Tumble Leaf were among the group’s suggestions. 

Other good options include Animal Planet, The Discovery Channel, and pretty much anything on PBS Kids — my kiddo has a newfound love for Arthur, the one based on a book series about that weird-looking aardvark dealing with everyday situations such as annoying little sisters and school bullies). 

I love the idea of showing our kids the shows that we grew up with and sharing that bond with them. Kids these days don't fully comprehend how well they have it though; would they even survive watching TV with commercials or on a grainy VHS?!

How do you feel about the slow TV movement?

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